Cardiovascular Drugs USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 48-year-old man with chronic hypertension on hydrochlorothiazide for 3 years presents with progressive muscle weakness and palpitations. Vital signs: BP 152/94 mmHg, HR 102/min, RR 16/min. Labs reveal Na+ 128 mEq/L, K+ 2.8 mEq/L, Clâ 92 mEq/L, and normal renal function. EKG shows T-wave flattening. He denies orthostatic symptoms. Which agent would most appropriately be added to his regimen to address this electrolyte disturbance?
Answer choices
- AAcetazolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor
- BMetolazone, a thiazide-like diuretic with enhanced potency
- CFurosemide, a loop diuretic with stronger diuretic efficacy
- DSpironolactone, a potassium-sparing diuretic that blocks aldosterone receptorsCorrect answer
- EMannitol, an osmotic diuretic that preserves electrolytes
- FTriamterene, a potassium-sparing diuretic that directly blocks epithelial sodium channels in the collecting duct
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