A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is taking hydrochlorothiazide. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following manifestations as an adverse effect of the medication?
Hypokalemia
Hypermagnesemia
Hypernatremia
Hypocalcemia
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Hypokalemia is correct. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that promotes the excretion of sodium and water in the kidneys, leading to increased urine production. However, it can also cause the loss of potassium (hypokalemia) as a side effect. Hypokalemia can manifest with symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, irregular heart rhythms, and muscle cramps.
Choice B Reason:
Hypermagnesemia is incorrect. Hydrochlorothiazide typically promotes the loss of magnesium rather than causing elevated magnesium levels.
Choice C Reason:
Hypernatremia is incorrect. Hydrochlorothiazide is more likely to cause a decrease in sodium levels (hyponatremia) rather than an increase (hypernatremia).
Choice D Reason:
Hypocalcemia is incorrect. Hydrochlorothiazide can cause increased excretion of calcium but it's not a common adverse effect compared to the loss of potassium (hypokalemia).

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
There's no requirement to lie down for an hour after administering nasal cyanocobalamin.
Choice B Reason:
The duration of treatment might vary depending on the healthcare provider's instructions and the client's response, so stating a specific duration of 6 months may not be accurate.
Choice C Reason:
"Administer the medication into one nostril once per week. “Nasal cyanocobalamin is typically used weekly for the treatment of pernicious anemia. It's administered into one nostril as directed by a healthcare provider. This method allows for the absorption of vitamin B12 through the nasal mucosa.
Choice D Reason:
Using a nasal decongestant before administering the medication is not typically part of the recommended administration protocol for nasal cyanocobalamin.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Using the applicator paper is appropriate for measuring the dosage accurately, but simply measuring the dosage is not the only step; the medication needs to be spread over the specified area of the skin.
Choice B Reason:
Spread the medication over a 12.7 cm (5 in) area of the client's skin. Nitroglycerin ointment is typically measured using a specific paper or measuring tape provided with the medication to ensure accurate dosing. The ointment is spread thinly and evenly over a specific measured area of the skin, usually about 12.7 cm (5 inches) in length, to maintain consistent dosing.
Choice C Reason:
Covering the medication with a sterile gauze pad is not typically done with nitroglycerin ointment. The ointment is meant to be absorbed through the skin, and covering it may interfere with its absorption.
Choice D Reason:
Nitroglycerin ointment is often applied to different sites to prevent skin irritation and tolerance from developing at one site. It's usually rotated to different clean areas of the skin to prevent skin irritation and tolerance buildup. Applying it to the same site for three consecutive days is not standard practice.
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