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 B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Weight loss is incorrect. While weight loss can be a side effect of citalopram, it's not typically considered a severe or urgent adverse effect that requires immediate reporting to the provider. It's more often observed in some individuals as a common side effect of this medication.
Choice B Reason:
Confusion can indicate a severe or uncommon adverse reaction to citalopram, especially in the context of treating major depression. It could potentially signify a serious condition that requires immediate attention. Reporting confusion promptly allows the healthcare provider to assess the situation and make appropriate adjustments to the medication regimen or provide additional interventions if necessary.
Choice C Reason:
Insomnia is incorrect. Insomnia is another potential side effect of citalopram. While it can affect the individual's quality of life, it's not typically an adverse effect that would be considered an urgent concern requiring immediate reporting to the provider.
Choice D Reason:
Bruxism is incorrect. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a less common side effect of citalopram. While it can cause discomfort or dental issues, it's not typically considered a priority adverse effect that necessitates immediate reporting to the provider compared to confusion, which might indicate a more serious or severe reaction.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Dark amber urine is incorrect. Dark urine can indicate concentrated urine, often seen in dehydration when the body is trying to conserve water.
Choice B Reason:
Decreased skin turgor is incorrect. Decreased skin turgor is a classic sign of dehydration, indicating that the skin lacks elasticity due to insufficient fluid intake or loss.
Choice C Reason:
Pink, frothy sputum is correct. Normal saline is a common intravenous solution used to treat dehydration. However, in some cases, especially when administered in excessive amounts, it can lead to fluid overload or pulmonary edema. This can manifest as pink, frothy sputum, indicating potential pulmonary congestion or edema, which is a serious adverse effect of fluid overload.
Choice D Reason:
Increased bowel sounds is incorrect. Increased bowel sounds can be seen in various conditions, including gastrointestinal disturbances or hyperactive bowel motility, but it's not typically associated with the adverse effects of normal saline administration.

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