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 A
Explanation
Choice A reason : Anginal pain is commonly triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress, which increases the heart's demand for oxygen. When the narrowed coronary arteries cannot supply enough oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, angina occurs³⁷.
Choice B reason : While sitting up may help relieve discomfort for some conditions, anginal pain is typically relieved by resting or taking prescribed medication such as nitroglycerin, which helps to widen the blood vessels and improve blood flow to the heart muscle³⁶.
Choice C reason : This statement is incorrect. Anginal pain does not persist with rest and organic nitrates; these are actually the measures taken to alleviate the pain. Resting decreases the heart's demand for oxygen, and nitrates are effective in relieving anginal pain³.
Choice D reason : Typically, anginal pain does not last longer than a few minutes. If chest pain persists for more than 20 minutes, it may indicate a more serious condition, such as a heart attack, and immediate medical attention is required³.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason : Fibromyalgia can indeed be associated with migraine headaches. Many individuals with fibromyalgia report experiencing headaches, and migraines are a common comorbidity. The exact link between fibromyalgia and migraines is not fully understood, but it is believed that the same abnormalities in neurotransmitter levels that contribute to fibromyalgia pain may also predispose individuals to migraines¹².
Choice B reason : The statement "Fibromyalgia causes joint inflammation" is incorrect and indicates a need for further teaching. Fibromyalgia does not cause inflammation within the joints. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in specific areas, but it does not involve the type of joint inflammation seen in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis¹². This misconception may arise because the symptoms can be similar to those of arthritic conditions, but the underlying mechanisms are different.
Choice C reason : Fibromyalgia may indeed cause chest pain, which is often referred to as costochondritis when it involves the cartilage of the rib cage. This chest pain can mimic that of a heart attack or other heart conditions, but it is actually a common symptom of fibromyalgia and is related to the tender points in the chest area¹².
Choice D reason : It is true that fibromyalgia symptoms may worsen depending on the weather. Many patients report that their symptoms flare up in response to changes in weather, temperature, and humidity. However, the reasons for this sensitivity are not entirely clear, and research on the subject has produced mixed results¹².
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