skip to main content

Hyperkalaemia on spironolactone — GPhC CRA MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateCardiovascular TherapeuticsHyperkalaemia on spironolactoneGPhC CRA

A patient taking spironolactone 25 mg daily for heart failure has a potassium of 5.9 mmol/L reported by the GP practice. They are otherwise stable. What is the most appropriate alternative?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Withhold spironolactone and seek same-day prescriber advice

Significant hyperkalaemia on a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist requires urgent review. The best answer addresses the key safety, legal or pharmaceutical care issue in the vignette. The other options would either delay appropriate care, create a new risk, or fail to resolve the issue. This is consistent with the cited UK reference for safe pharmacy practice.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS