A nurse is caring for a client who has breast cancer and reports pain 1 hr after administration of prescribed morphine 10 mg IV.
Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer?

This is a high level of potassium in the blood (the normal range is 3.5 to 5 mEq/L) and can be dangerous for the heart.

Triamterene is a potassium-sparing diuretic that prevents the body from losing too much potassium in the urine. It can cause hyperkalemia (high potassium), especially in people with kidney disease, diabetes, or severe illness. The nurse should check the potassium level before giving triamterene and hold the medication if it is above 5 mEq/L.

The other choices are incorrect because:

Choice A: Sodium 142 mEq/L.

This is a normal level of sodium in the blood (the normal range is 135 to 145 mEq/L) and does not require withholding triamterene. Triamterene can cause hyponatremia (low sodium) by increasing the excretion of sodium in the urine. The nurse should monitor the sodium level during triamterene therapy and report any signs of low sodium such as confusion, weakness, or seizures.

Choice B: BUN 16 mg/dL.

This is a normal level of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in the blood (normal range is 7 to 20 mg/dL) and does not require withholding

triamterene. BUN is a measure of kidney function and can be elevated in kidney disease or dehydration. Triamterene can cause an increase in BUN by reducing the blood flow to the kidneys or by interacting with other medications that affect the kidneys. The nurse should monitor the BUN level during triamterene therapy and report any signs of kidney impairment such as decreased urine output, swelling, or nausea. •

Choice D: Albumin 4 g/dL.

This is a normal level of albumin in the blood (the normal range is 3.4 to 5.4 g/dL) and does not require withholding triamterene. Albumin is a protein that helps maintain fluid balance and transport substances in the blood. Triamterene does not affect albumin levels directly, but it can cause fluid loss or retention that may alter albumin levels indirectly. The nurse should monitor the albumin level during triamterene therapy and report any signs of fluid imbalance such as weight changes, edema, or shortness of breath.

Saw palmetto is a natural herbal supplement that may help reduce the symptoms of benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) by inhibiting the enzyme 5- alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that stimulates prostate growth. Some studies have shown that saw palmetto can improve urinary flow and reduce nocturia in men with BPH.

Choice Ais wrong because black cohosh is a plant that contains phytoestrogens, which are compounds that mimic estrogen in the body.Black cohosh is mainly used for menopausal symptoms in women, such as hot flashes and mood swings.

Choice Bis wrong because garlic has no proven effect on BPH. Garlic may have some benefits for cardiovascular health and immune system, but it does not affect prostate size or function.It has no effect on BPH and may even worsen it by altering the hormonal balance.

Choice C is wrong because feverfew is a herb that has anti-inflammatory and anti-migraine properties.

It may help prevent or treat headaches, arthritis, and allergies, but it has no effect on BPH or urinary symptoms.