Which of the following drugs has caused hyperkalemia leading to cardiac arrest in patients with neurological disorders?
**Core Concept**
The question tests the understanding of a medication-induced hyperkalemia, a life-threatening condition characterized by elevated potassium levels in the blood. This can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and arrest, particularly in patients with pre-existing neurological disorders, which may impair the body's ability to regulate potassium levels.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is likely a medication that blocks the sodium-potassium ATPase pump, leading to an accumulation of potassium ions in the bloodstream. This can occur in patients with neurological disorders, such as spinal cord injuries or Guillain-Barré syndrome, who may have impaired renal function or altered potassium regulation. The medication in question may also have a narrow therapeutic index, making it more susceptible to causing hyperkalemia.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This medication is actually used to treat hyperkalemia by promoting potassium excretion in the urine. It is not associated with causing hyperkalemia.
**Option B:** This medication is more likely to cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels) due to its mechanism of action, which involves increasing potassium excretion in the urine.
**Option C:** While this medication can have various side effects, it is not typically associated with causing hyperkalemia.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can exacerbate hyperkalemia by reducing renal blood flow and potassium excretion. Patients with neurological disorders should be closely monitored for signs of hyperkalemia when taking these medications.
**Correct Answer: D. Succinylcholine.**