Dr.Torres is treating a patient with glaucoma.She considers using a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor to produce diuresis.Dr.Torres should reconsider her choice of diuretic if the patient:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acetazolamide inhibits the action of carbonic anhydrase so that very little hydrogen and bicarbonate are produced. As a result, sodium ions are excreted into the urine along with increased amounts of water. Since the hydrogen ion exchange is blocked, the distal convoluted tubules attempt to reabsorb sodium ions by increasing the potassium ion exchange. The increased secretion of potassium ions causes an increased loss of potassium in the urine. Eventually, this loss of potassium leads to hypokalemia. Therefore, Dr. Torres should not use carbonic anhydrase inhibitor if the patient is hypokalemic.

DrTorres Is Treating a Patient with Glaucoma