A nurse is providing instruction to a new nurse about caring for clients who are receiving diuretic therapy to treat heart failure. The nurse should explain that which of the following medications puts clients at risk for both hyperkalemia and hyponatremia?
Hydrochlorothiazide
Spironolactone
Furosemide
Metolazone
The Correct Answer is B
A) Hydrochlorothiazide: Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that promotes sodium and water excretion, leading to decreased blood volume and decreased potassium excretion. While it can cause hypokalemia due to increased potassium excretion, it does not typically lead to hyperkalemia.
B) Spironolactone: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that inhibits aldosterone, leading to decreased sodium reabsorption and increased potassium retention. This mechanism of action can predispose clients to hyperkalemia due to potassium retention. Additionally, spironolactone can cause hyponatremia by promoting the excretion of sodium and water. Therefore, clients receiving spironolactone are at risk for both hyperkalemia and hyponatremia.
C) Furosemide: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in the loop of Henle, promoting sodium, chloride, potassium, and water excretion. While it can cause hypokalemia due to increased potassium excretion, it does not typically lead to hyperkalemia.
D) Metolazone: Metolazone is a thiazide-like diuretic that acts similarly to hydrochlorothiazide by promoting sodium and water excretion. Like hydrochlorothiazide, it can cause hypokalemia due to increased potassium excretion but does not typically lead to hyperkalemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) The client's hand is cool and pale: A cool and pale hand suggests decreased circulation, which could be due to the restraint being too tight and impeding blood flow. Loosening the restraint can improve circulation and prevent complications such as tissue damage or nerve injury.
B) The client has full range of motion in her wrist: While it's important to ensure that the client can move comfortably within the restraint to prevent stiffness and maintain circulation, full range of motion alone may not necessitate loosening the restraint. However, if the client's movements are restricted or uncomfortable due to the tightness of the restraint, loosening may be necessary.
C) The client is attempting to remove the restraint: This indicates that the restraint may be too loose or improperly applied, allowing the client to manipulate it easily. The nurse should assess the fit of the restraint and adjust it as needed to prevent the client from removing it while still ensuring safety and appropriate immobilization.
D) The client has a capillary refill of less than 2 seconds: While a rapid capillary refill indicates good circulation, it alone may not warrant loosening the restraint. However, if the client experiences discomfort or other signs of impaired circulation despite rapid capillary refill, the restraint may need adjustment to alleviate pressure and improve circulation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Light-headedness when standing up:
Elevated potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can lead to muscle weakness or paralysis, cardiac dysrhythmias, and even cardiac arrest. Light-headedness when standing up is more commonly associated with orthostatic hypotension or volume depletion rather than electrolyte imbalances like hyperkalemia.
B. Weak quadriceps muscles:
Weakness in the quadriceps muscles is not typically associated with the electrolyte imbalances presented in the scenario. Hyperkalemia can cause muscle weakness, but it is not specific to the quadriceps.
C. Decreased deep tendon reflexes:
Decreased deep tendon reflexes are not typically associated with the electrolyte imbalances presented in the scenario. Hyperkalemia can lead to hyperreflexia or absent reflexes, but it is not specific to decreased deep tendon reflexes.
D. Tingling of extremities:
This is the correct answer. Hypocalcemia, indicated by the low calcium level in the scenario, can manifest with symptoms such as tingling or numbness of the extremities, muscle cramps, and tetany. Calcium plays a crucial role in nerve transmission, and low levels can lead to sensory disturbances like tingling in the extremities.
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