<prompt> A 65 year old man with mild hea failure is treated with a loop diuretic. A few days later the man complains of muscle weakness. Laboratory results are shown below. Aerial PCO2: 48 mm Hg Aerial pH: 7.49 Plasma HCO3-: 35 mEqL Which of the following is most likely decreased in this man?Plasma angiotensinPlasma potassiumPotassium excretionRenin secretion  <response>: The data shown in the table indicate that the man has developed metabolic alkalosis increased PCO2, pH, and HCO3-, which occurs commonly with overuse of diuretics thiazides and loop diuretics. The overuse of a loop diuretic increases the excretion of sodium and potassium by the kidneys. the increase in potassium excretion leads to a decrease in plasma potassium levels. The sodium depletion stimulates renin secretion, which in turn raises angiotensin II levels in the plasma which also stimulates aldosterone secretion. Ref: Michel T., Hoffman B.B. 2011. Chapter 27. Treatment of Myocardial Ischemia and Hypeension. In B.C. Knollmann Ed, Goodman Gilmans The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 12e. 