Which symptom might indicate that a patient is experiencing diuretic-induced hypokalemia?

The presence of muscle weakness or cramping is a classic symptom associated with diuretic-induced hypokalemia. Diuretics, particularly the thiazide and loop diuretics, can lead to decreased potassium levels in the body due to increased renal excretion of potassium. Potassium is crucial for normal muscle function, and a deficiency can result in muscle weakness, cramps, or spasms. This happens because low potassium levels disrupt the normal electrical activity of muscle fibers, leading to contractile dysfunction.

While fatigue and lethargy, nausea, and appetite loss, as well as headaches and blurred vision, may occur in various medical conditions, they are less specific indicators of hypokalemia. These symptoms can be influenced by multiple factors, making them less directly correlated with potassium level changes compared to muscle-related signs. Therefore, muscle weakness or cramping serves as a more reliable indicator of hypokalemia in patients treated with diuretics.