Free Practice Question of the Week [13]

JG has hypokalemia while on the maximum dose of hydrochlorothiazide. The doctor wants to add an agent to help counteract the hypokalemia and provide additive blood pressure control. Which agent is best?

a) Furosemide

b) Ramipril

c) Atenolol

d) Amlodipine

Scroll down for the answer!

The answer is (B).

Ramipril is an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor which can be used for hypertension. Ramipril can cause hyperkalemia (increase potassium), so therefore, it is the best agent to treat the hypokalemia and provide additive blood pressure control.

(A) is incorrect because furosemide can cause and worsen his hypokalemia (as well he is already taking hydrochlorothiazide which is a diuretic).

(C) and (D) are incorrect because atenolol (beta-blocker) and amlodipine (calcium channel blocker) do not treat hypokalemia despite being used for hypertension.

If you liked this question and would like more practice, consider subscribing to our comprehensive PEBC practice question bank!