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).
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Decrease the dose of the medication is incorrect. Lowering the dose could potentially drop the INR below the therapeutic range, increasing the risk of clot formation.
Choice B Reason:
Increase the dose of the medication is incorrect. Raising the dose might push the INR above the therapeutic range, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Choice C Reason:
Withhold the medication is incorrect. Withholding the medication might lead to inadequate anticoagulation and an increased risk of clot formation.
Choice D Reason:
Administer the current dose of the medication. An INR of 2.5 is within the therapeutic range for many indications, including atrial fibrillation. This means the blood is appropriately anticoagulated to prevent clot formation without an excessive risk of bleeding. In this scenario, maintaining the current dose of warfarin is often appropriate to sustain the desired therapeutic effect.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
INR (International Normalized Ratio) is incorrect. INR is a measurement used to monitor the effects of anticoagulants like warfarin. It assesses the blood's ability to clot. Filgrastim does not directly affect INR levels, so monitoring INR would not provide information about the effectiveness of filgrastim in stimulating white blood cell production.
Choice B Reason:
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) is incorrect. BUN levels primarily indicate kidney function and hydration status. They are not directly influenced by filgrastim treatment. Monitoring BUN is essential for assessing kidney function but does not reflect the effectiveness of filgrastim therapy in increasing white blood cell counts.
Choice C Reason:
WBC count is correct. Filgrastim is a medication that stimulates the production of white blood cells (WBCs), particularly neutrophils. Therefore, the key laboratory value to monitor for assessing the effectiveness of filgrastim therapy is the WBC count. An increase in the WBC count, particularly in the neutrophil count, signifies the intended therapeutic effect of filgrastim in boosting the immune system's response by increasing the production of these infection-fighting cells.
Choice D Reason:
Potassium level is incorrect. Potassium levels are crucial for heart and muscle function. While certain medications might affect potassium levels, filgrastim's primary action is on stimulating white blood cell production and does not directly impact potassium levels. Monitoring potassium levels is essential for overall health but does not specifically indicate the effectiveness of filgrastim treatment.
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