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 D
Explanation
This is because TB is caused by a bacterium that can develop resistance to single-drug therapy, so a combination of drugs is used to prevent or treat drug-resistant strains. Some of the common drugs used for TB are isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide.
Choice A is wrong because the duration of treatment for active TB is usually 6 to 9 months, not 3 years.
Choice B is wrong because tuberculin skin tests are not reliable indicators of disease activity or response to treatment, as they can remain positive for years after successful therapy.
Choice C is wrong because blood tests to monitor kidney function are not routinely required for TB treatment unless the client has a preexisting renal impairment or is taking drugs that are nephrotoxic.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is because fentanyl transmucosal is a fast-acting opioid that can be used for breakthrough pain in patients who are already receiving opioids for chronic pain. Breakthrough pain is a sudden and severe increase in pain that occurs despite the use of regular pain medication. Fentanyl transmucosal has a rapid onset of action (1-3 minutes) and a short duration of effect (1-2 hours), which makes it suitable for treating episodic pain.
Choice B. Lidocaine patch is wrong because lidocaine patch is a topical anesthetic that can be used for localized neuropathic pain, but not for acute or severe pain.
Choice C. Morphine tablet is wrong because morphine tablet is a long-acting opioid that can be used for chronic pain, but not for breakthrough pain. Morphine tablet has a slow onset of action (30-60 minutes) and a long duration of effect (3-4 hours), which makes it unsuitable for treating episodic pain.
Choice D. Naloxone IV is wrong because naloxone IV is an opioid antagonist that can reverse the effects of opioids, but not relieve pain.
Naloxone IV can cause
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