Final answer:
Potassium-sparing diuretics prevent the reabsorption of sodium and cause increased urination. They can cause hyperkalemia, which can lead to arrhythmias and metabolic acidosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Potassium-sparing diuretics are a type of medication used to treat hypertension by increasing urination. They work by blocking the action of a hormone called aldosterone in the collecting tubule of the nephron. Aldosterone normally promotes the reabsorption of sodium and the excretion of potassium in the collecting tubule. By blocking aldosterone, potassium-sparing diuretics prevent the reabsorption of sodium, leading to increased sodium and water excretion and decreased potassium excretion.
Hyperkalemia refers to elevated levels of potassium in the blood. Potassium-sparing diuretics can cause hyperkalemia because they reduce the excretion of potassium in the urine. This can lead to a buildup of potassium in the body, which can have serious consequences. The excess potassium can disrupt the electrical signals in the heart, potentially causing arrhythmias, and can also lead to metabolic acidosis, a condition characterized by too much acid in the body.