Which of the following is a potential serious side effect of potassium-sparing diuretics?

Potassium-sparing diuretics are a specific class of diuretics that are designed to help the body retain potassium while still promoting the excretion of sodium and water. One of the key characteristics of these medications is their potential to lead to hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood. This condition can result from the diuretic's mechanism of action, which reduces potassium excretion in the kidneys, differentiating it from other diuretics that may cause potassium loss.

Hyperkalemia can pose significant health risks, including muscle weakness, arrhythmias, or even cardiac arrest in severe cases. Regular monitoring of potassium levels is crucial for patients taking potassium-sparing diuretics to prevent this potentially serious side effect. The other options listed, while also related to electrolyte imbalances or fluid issues, do not align with the pharmacological profile of potassium-sparing diuretics, which are specifically designed to maintain potassium levels.