Ace the CVS Pharmacy Exam 2025 - Your Prescription for Success!

Loop diuretics are a class of medications that can significantly enhance the elimination of potassium from the body. These drugs work by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the ascending loop of Henle in the kidneys, leading to increased urine output. As a result, the body not only loses sodium and chloride but also potassium, leading to a reduction in serum potassium levels. This mechanism is particularly useful in managing conditions characterized by hyperkalemia, where elevated potassium levels in the blood pose health risks.

In contrast, oral potassium supplements would increase potassium levels in the body, while a calcium infusion is typically used for managing conditions like hypocalcemia and does not directly affect potassium elimination. Sodium bicarbonate is often used to treat metabolic acidosis and may influence potassium levels indirectly, but it is not primarily used for the purpose of increasing potassium elimination. Hence, loop diuretics stand out as the treatment capable of effectively promoting the excretion of potassium through the renal system.