NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

What is the potential side effect of using aluminum-based phosphate binders in CKD patients?

1. Hyperkalemia

2. Aluminum accumulation

3. Hypocalcemia

4. Hypertension

The correct answer is: Aluminum accumulation

Aluminum-based phosphate binders are drugs commonly used to treat high levels of phosphate in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). As the name suggests, these binders contain aluminum, which is known to accumulate in the body over time. Accumulation of aluminum can lead to a condition called aluminum toxicity, which can cause damage to the nervous system, bones, and other organs. This is why the potential side effect of using these binders is aluminum accumulation, making option B the correct answer. The other options, while they may also occur in CKD patients, are not directly related to the use of aluminum-based phosphate binders. Hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium) is commonly seen in patients with CKD due to impaired kidney function, but it is not directly caused by the binders. Hypocalcemia (low levels of calcium) may also occur in CKD patients, but this is more likely due to decreased vitamin D production and impaired calcium absorption, rather than the use of aluminum-based phosphate binders. Hypertension (high blood pressure) can also be a complication of CKD, but it is not caused by the binders. Overall, while these side effects may be experienced by CKD