A nurse is caring for an older adult patient with left-sided heart failure. What assessment findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A rationale

Phosphate levels are not directly affected by spironolactone. Spironolactone is a potassium- sparing diuretic and does not typically affect phosphate levels.

Choice B rationale

Decreased potassium level is not typically expected in a patient taking spironolactone. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, meaning it can actually lead to increased potassium levels. However, in the context of liver failure and ascites, other factors may influence potassium levels.

Choice C rationale

Chloride levels are not directly affected by spironolactone. Spironolactone primarily affects the balance of potassium and sodium in the body.

Choice D rationale

Sodium levels could potentially be decreased in a patient taking spironolactone, as it can cause the body to lose sodium. However, in the context of liver failure and ascites, sodium levels are often carefully managed.

Choice A rationale

Lower quadrant pain is a common symptom of many conditions, including ectopic pregnancy. However, it does not specifically indicate the presence of blood in the peritoneum.

Choice B rationale

Cullen’s sign, which is the appearance of bruising in the skin around the umbilicus, is a sign of blood in the peritoneum. It can occur in conditions such as a ruptured ectopic pregnancy.

Choice C rationale

Goodell’s sign is a softening of the cervix that typically occurs early in pregnancy. It does not indicate the presence of blood in the peritoneum.

Choice D rationale

Chadwick’s sign is a bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and labia that occurs in early pregnancy. It does not indicate the presence of blood in the peritoneum.