What are the consequences of surreptitious diuretic use?

Surreptitious diuretic use, commonly referred to as the inappropriate or illicit use of diuretics, can lead to a distinct set of electrolyte disturbances and acid-base imbalances. When diuretics are employed, they increase the elimination of sodium and water, often resulting in a loss of potassium as well, especially with loop diuretics or thiazides.

The combination of these effects can lead to hypokalemia, a condition characterized by low potassium levels in the blood. Additionally, continuous diuretic use can induce metabolic alkalosis, which is often a result of increased hydrogen ion loss and excessive retention of bicarbonate as the body compensates for reduced intravascular volume. The likelihood of hyponatremia may also exist, but the prominent and immediate consequences of diuretic abuse typically include hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis due to the body’s compensatory mechanisms.

Thus, the correct choice accurately reflects the primary disturbances associated with the surreptitious use of diuretics: hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis, all of which can stem from excessive diuresis and the impact on renal function and electrolyte balance.