A common adverse effect from phenazopyridine hydrochloride (Pyridium) administration for UTI that the nurse should teach the patient is that Pyridium:

Hypokalemia is a condition where the blood potassium level is too low, which can cause muscle weakness, arrhythmias, and other problems. Diuretics are drugs that increase urine output and help remove excess fluid from the body. Some diuretics, such as loop diuretics, also cause potassium loss in the urine.To prevent hypokalemia, a combination of diuretics may be prescribed, such as a loop diuretic with a potassium-sparing diuretic or a thiazide diuretic. These combinations help balance the potassium level while still removing sodium and water.

Choice A is wrong because they are not a part of the initial diuretic therapy.Combination diuretic therapy is usually reserved for patients who have resistant edema or hypertension that does not respond to monotherapy.

Choice C is wrong because they do not boost the blood-pressure-lowering effect of other medications.Diuretics can lower blood pressure by reducing blood volume and relaxing blood vessels, but they are not used to enhance the effect of other antihypertensive drugs.

Choice D is wrong because they do not have fewer side effects when used in a drug combination.Combination diuretic therapy can increase the risk of electrolyte imbalances, such as hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and metabolic alkalosis.It can also cause hypotension, dehydration, and worsening renal function.Therefore, combination diuretic therapy should be used with caution and close monitoring.

Normal ranges for blood potassium level are 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L or 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.Normal ranges for blood sodium level are 135 to 145 mmol/L or 135 to 145 mEq/L.

Normal ranges for blood pressure are less than 120/80 mm Hg for normal, 120-129/less than 80 mm Hg for elevated, 130-139/80-89 mm Hg for stage 1 hypertension, and 140 or higher/90 or higher mm Hg for stage 2 hypertension.

This is because digoxin can cause bradycardia (slow heart rate) as a side effect, which can be dangerous and require dose adjustment or discontinuation of the medication.Digoxin helps make the heart beat stronger and with a more regular rhythm by inhibiting sodium-potassium ATPase in cardiac cells.It is used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation.

Choice A is wrong because increasing sodium intake can worsen fluid retention and exacerbate heart failure symptoms.Patients with heart failure should follow a low-sodium diet to reduce the workload on the heart.

Choice B is wrong because checking pulse rate for 30 seconds and multiplying result by 2 is not accurate enough to monitor the effects of digoxin.

Patients taking digoxin should check their pulse rate for one full minute before taking each dose and record it daily.If the pulse rate is too fast or too slow, they should contact their provider.

Choice C is wrong because taking digoxin with food may reduce its absorption and effectiveness.Digoxin should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after a meal.If nausea occurs, it may be a sign of digoxin toxicity and should be reported to the provider.