<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 lab repos 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. 