A nurse is caring for a client who is taking triamterene.
For which of the following laboratory values should the nurse withhold the medication?
Sodium 142 mEq/L.
BUN 16 mg/dL.
Potassium 5.3 mEq/L.
Albumin 4 g/dL.
The Correct Answer is C
This is a high level of potassium in the blood (the normal range is 3.5 to 5 mEq/L) and can be dangerous for the heart.
Triamterene is a potassium-sparing diuretic that prevents the body from losing too much potassium in the urine. It can cause hyperkalemia (high potassium), especially in people with kidney disease, diabetes, or severe illness. The nurse should check the potassium level before giving triamterene and hold the medication if it is above 5 mEq/L.
The other choices are incorrect because:
Choice A: Sodium 142 mEq/L.
This is a normal level of sodium in the blood (the normal range is 135 to 145 mEq/L) and does not require withholding triamterene. Triamterene can cause hyponatremia (low sodium) by increasing the excretion of sodium in the urine. The nurse should monitor the sodium level during triamterene therapy and report any signs of low sodium such as confusion, weakness, or seizures.
Choice B: BUN 16 mg/dL.
This is a normal level of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in the blood (normal range is 7 to 20 mg/dL) and does not require withholding
triamterene. BUN is a measure of kidney function and can be elevated in kidney disease or dehydration. Triamterene can cause an increase in BUN by reducing the blood flow to the kidneys or by interacting with other medications that affect the kidneys. The nurse should monitor the BUN level during triamterene therapy and report any signs of kidney impairment such as decreased urine output, swelling, or nausea. •
Choice D: Albumin 4 g/dL.
This is a normal level of albumin in the blood (the normal range is 3.4 to 5.4 g/dL) and does not require withholding triamterene. Albumin is a protein that helps maintain fluid balance and transport substances in the blood. Triamterene does not affect albumin levels directly, but it can cause fluid loss or retention that may alter albumin levels indirectly. The nurse should monitor the albumin level during triamterene therapy and report any signs of fluid imbalance such as weight changes, edema, or shortness of breath.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This is because fever is a common sign of an acute infusion reaction that can occur when receiving IV amphotericin B. An acute infusion reaction is caused by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from the fungal cell wall disruption by amphotericin B. It usually occurs within the first hour of infusion and can be prevented by administering pre-medications such as antipyretics, antihistamines, or corticosteroids.
Choice A. Pedal edema is wrong because it is not a typical sign of an acute infusion reaction.
Pedal edema may indicate fluid overload, heart failure, or renal impairment, which are not directly related to amphotericin B infusion.
Choice C. Dry cough is wrong because it is not a typical sign of an acute infusion reaction.
Dry cough may indicate an allergic reaction, pulmonary infection, or interstitial lung disease, which are not directly related to amphotericin B infusion. Choice D. Hyperglycemia is wrong because it is not a typical sign of an acute infusion reaction.
Hyperglycemia may indicate diabetes mellitus, steroid use, or stress response, which are not directly related to amphotericin B infusion.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Drowsiness is a very common adverse effect of paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression and anxiety. Paroxetine can cause somnolence (sleepiness) in up to 22% of patients who take it. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor for this effect and avoid driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them.
Choice A is wrong because tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is not a common adverse effect of paroxetine.
It may occur rarely in some patients, but it is not a typical symptom of SSRI use.
Choice B is wrong because alopecia (hair loss) is not a common adverse effect of paroxetine.
It may occur rarely in some patients, but it is not a typical symptom of SSRI use.
Choice C is wrong because peripheral edema (swelling of the limbs) is not a common adverse effect of paroxetine.
It may occur rarely in some patients, but it is not a typical symptom of SSRI use.
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