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:
"You should report monthly to have your blood drawn to monitor kidney function while taking medication." Is incorrect. While monitoring kidney function might be necessary during tuberculosis treatment due to potential medication side effects, monthly blood draws specifically for kidney function might not be standard. However, periodic blood tests to monitor various parameters, including kidney function, are part of tuberculosis treatment monitoring.
Choice B Reason:
"You will need to take two or more medications to treat your disease." Is correct. Treatment for active pulmonary tuberculosis typically involves a combination of antimicrobial medications to effectively treat the infection and prevent antibiotic resistance. This multidrug therapy is essential to combat the bacteria causing tuberculosis and reduce the risk of treatment failure or relapse.
Choice C Reason:
"You will need to undergo tuberculin skin tests every 6 months while taking medication for your disease." Is incorrect. Tuberculin skin tests are used for screening or diagnosing tuberculosis but are not typically repeated every six months during active treatment for the disease.
Choice D Reason:
"You should anticipate taking medication to treat your disease for at least the next 3 years." Is incorrect. The duration of treatment for active pulmonary tuberculosis varies but is typically shorter than three years. Treatment duration usually lasts several months to a year, depending on the specific medication regimen and the response to treatment.

Correct Answer is D
No explanation
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