Qualified Medication Aides (QMA) Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of potassium replacement medication?

1. Lasix

2. K-Dur or Micro-K

3. Spironolactone

4. Furosemide

The correct answer is: K-Dur or Micro-K

Potassium replacement medications are specifically designed to replenish potassium levels in the body, which is crucial for various bodily functions, including nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and maintaining a healthy heart rhythm. K-Dur and Micro-K are both formulations of potassium chloride, which is a direct supplement used to increase potassium levels when they are low. These medications are typically prescribed in cases of hypokalemia (low potassium levels) or may be used to prevent potassium depletion in patients taking diuretics that increase potassium loss. The effectiveness of K-Dur and Micro-K in replacing potassium makes them the correct example of potassium replacement medication in this context. The other options, while related to medications affecting potassium levels, do not serve the primary purpose of potassium replacement. For instance, Lasix (furosemide) is a diuretic that can lead to potassium loss in the body. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which helps retain potassium but is not used as a direct replacement. Furosemide is simply another name for Lasix. Thus, they do not fulfill the role of replacing potassium directly in the way that K-Dur and Micro-K do.