Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) Practice Exam

What is a common risk associated with thiazide diuretics?

1. Hypocalcemia

2. Hyperkalemia

3. Gout

4. Myopathy

The correct answer is: Gout

Thiazide diuretics are commonly associated with gout due to their impact on uric acid metabolism. These medications can lead to an increase in uric acid levels in the body by decreasing the renal clearance of uric acid. When uric acid levels rise, it can precipitate gout episodes, which are characterized by sudden and intense pain, swelling, and redness in the joints, most often affecting the big toe. The other risks associated with thiazide diuretics are important to note. For instance, while thiazides can lead to hypokalemia (low levels of potassium in the blood), they actually promote hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium), as they cause the kidneys to excrete less calcium. Therefore, while the risk of gout and elevated uric acid levels is a frequent concern, other complications like electrolyte imbalances are also a consideration, but they were less pertinent to this question.