Cardiac Medicine Certification (CMC) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a potential side effect of diuretics?

1. Weight gain

2. Electrolyte imbalances

3. Increased blood pressure

4. Heart palpitations

The correct answer is: Electrolyte imbalances

Diuretics are medications often prescribed to help manage conditions such as hypertension and heart failure by promoting the excretion of sodium and water from the body through urine. This process can lead to significant changes in electrolyte levels, making electrolyte imbalances a common side effect. When diuretics are used, they can cause decreased levels of essential electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium. These imbalances can lead to various clinical consequences, including muscle weakness, cramps, irregular heartbeat, and other systemic issues. Thus, monitoring electrolyte levels in patients on diuretics is critical to prevent complications derived from these imbalances. The other options do not align with the expected side effects of diuretics. For example, weight gain and increased blood pressure are generally counterproductive effects one would expect when diuretics are used for fluid removal and blood pressure control, respectively. Heart palpitations can be related to electrolyte imbalances, but they are not a direct side effect of diuretics themselves.