A patient is taking spironolactone for the treatment of hypertension. The nurse notices EKG changes on the patient's heart monitor. What side effect of spironolactone may be causing these changes?

Explanation

• Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can cause hyperkalemia, potentially resulting in cardiac arrhythmias. 

• Severe hypocalcemia and leukocytosis may cause cardiac arrhythmias, but they are not side effects of spironolactone. 

• Hypokalemia is associated with loop diuretics and is the opposite of what would be expected for a side effect of spironolactone.

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