A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and a potassium level of 2.4 mEq/L. The nurse should identify which of the following medications as contributing to this lab value?
Nitroglycerin
Metoprolol
Spironolactone
Furosemide
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason : Nitroglycerin is used to treat angina pectoris and does not typically cause a decrease in potassium levels¹.
Choice B reason : Metoprolol is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure but is not known to significantly affect potassium levels¹.
Choice C reason : Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic and would not contribute to low potassium levels; it is more likely to cause hyperkalemia¹.
Choice D reason : Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to hypokalemia by increasing the excretion of potassium in the urine. It is known to contribute to low potassium levels and should be identified as the medication affecting this lab value¹².
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason : While propranolol can be used to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches, it is not contraindicated in patients with a history of migraines⁴.
Choice B reason : Propranolol is often prescribed for hypertension and is not contraindicated in such cases. It works by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, which reduces heart rate and blood pressure⁴.
Choice C reason : Propranolol is contraindicated in patients with bronchial asthma. As a non-selective beta-blocker, it can cause bronchoconstriction and exacerbate asthma symptoms. Therefore, the nurse should report this finding to the provider⁴⁶.
Choice D reason : Hypothyroidism is not a contraindication for propranolol. However, the medication may mask signs of hypothyroidism, such as a slow heart rate, so the provider should be aware of the client's thyroid condition⁴.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason : The plantar reflex, also known as the Babinski sign, is elicited by stroking the lateral aspect of the sole of the foot. A positive response is indicated by dorsiflexion of the big toe and fanning of the other toes. This reflex is normal in infants but may indicate central nervous system damage in adults¹. However, it is not specifically associated with meningeal irritation.
Choice B reason : Kernig's sign is a clinical sign wherein the patient experiences severe stiffness of the hamstrings causing an inability to straighten the leg when the hip is flexed to 90 degrees. This sign can indicate meningeal irritation but is not as early a sign as Brudzinski's sign².
Choice C reason : Brudzinski's sign is one of the most indicative signs of meningeal irritation. When the neck is flexed, there is involuntary flexion of the hips and knees. This reflex is an early sign of meningeal irritation and is considered a critical manifestation in assessing meningitis following head trauma².
Choice D reason : Sunsetting eyes, characterized by the downward deviation of the eyes, is associated with increased intracranial pressure, which can occur in conditions like hydrocephalus. While it may be seen in the context of brain injury, it is not a specific sign of meningeal irritation³.
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