Final answer:
True, the use of potassium-sparing agents (aldosterone receptor blockers) is necessary in patients receiving diuretics for uncomplicated essential HTN when such patients have a normal diet.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, the use of potassium-sparing agents (aldosterone receptor blockers) is necessary in patients receiving diuretics for uncomplicated essential HTN when such patients have a normal diet.
Recall that aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates sodium levels in the blood. It increases the excretion of potassium and the reabsorption of sodium in the distal tubule. Diuretics, on the other hand, increase urinary output by promoting the excretion of sodium and water. However, the use of diuretics can also lead to excessive loss of potassium.
Therefore, in patients receiving diuretics for hypertension, the addition of potassium-sparing agents, also known as aldosterone receptor blockers, is necessary to prevent or correct potassium loss. These medications help maintain potassium balance and prevent the risk of hypokalemia.