Which electrolyte imbalance might occur with the administration of diuretics?

The administration of diuretics can lead to hypokalemia, which is a condition characterized by low levels of potassium in the blood. Diuretics, especially loop and thiazide diuretics, increase the excretion of sodium and water, but they can also increase the loss of potassium through the urine. This loss can result in a significant drop in serum potassium levels, leading to hypokalemia, which can manifest as muscle cramps, weakness, and cardiac arrhythmias.

In contrast, the other electrolyte imbalances listed are less commonly associated with diuretic use. For example, hypernatremia tends to occur in conditions where there is excessive water loss or inadequate water intake, rather than from diuretic administration, which primarily causes sodium loss. Hypercalcemia results from increased calcium levels, which is not a standard consequence of diuretics. Lastly, hypomagnesemia can occur but is less frequent compared to the significant risk of hypokalemia when using certain diuretics. Thus, hypokalemia is the most common and notable electrolyte imbalance linked to diuretic therapy.