Both loop diuretics and thiazides can cause hypokalemia by:: (A) Inhibiting proximal tubular K+reabsorption, (B) Inhibiting Na+-K+-2Cl-cotranspo in the ascending limb of loop of Henle, (C) Increasing the availability of Na+in the distal tubular fluid to exchange with interstitial K+, (D) Potentiating the action of aldosterone
Answer is C. Diuretics prevent the reabsorption of Na+-more amount of Na+ reaches the distal poion of the nephron i.e. late DT and collecting ducts. Na+ is exchanged with K+ and H+ Increased distal delivery of Na+ results in more exchange and thus hypokalemia