A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who takes furosemide and has a serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. Which of the following foods should the nurse instruct the client to include in his daily diet?

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should include the statement, "Lifelong treatment with this medication is necessary.”. This is because rifampin is often part of a multidrug regimen used to treat tuberculosis, and treatment typically lasts for several months, sometimes up to a year. It is crucial for the client to understand the need for long-term treatment to ensure the successful eradication of the tuberculosis bacteria from their system.

Choice B rationale:

The statement, "The medication causes amenorrhea if taken along with an oral contraceptive," is not accurate. Rifampin is known to interact with oral contraceptives, decreasing their effectiveness, but it does not directly cause amenorrhea. The correct teaching should focus on the need for alternative or additional contraceptive methods while taking rifampin.

Choice C rationale:

The statement, "You should wear glasses instead of contacts while taking this medication," is not directly related to rifampin. Rifampin can cause certain ocular side effects, but it does not necessarily require the client to switch from contacts to glasses. This advice would depend on the individual's eye health and any specific concerns.

Choice D rationale:

The statement, "A yellow tint to the skin is an expected reaction to the medication," is incorrect. While rifampin can cause a harmless side effect of orange-red discoloration of body fluids, such as urine, sweat, and tears, it does not typically cause a yellow tint to the skin. The nurse should clarify this misconception with the client.

Choice A rationale:

Bananas are a good source of potassium, and the client's serum potassium level is low (3.1 mEq/L). Including potassium-rich foods like bananas in the diet can help raise the potassium level and prevent hypokalemia, which is a potential side effect of furosemide (a diuretic).

Choice B rationale:

Cheddar cheese is not a suitable choice for a client with low potassium levels. It is not a significant source of potassium and should not be the primary recommendation for addressing hypokalemia.

Choice C rationale:

Cabbage is not a good choice for increasing potassium intake. While it has some potassium, other fruits and vegetables like bananas are much richer sources of this essential electrolyte.

Choice D rationale:

White rice is not a high-potassium food and should not be the first choice for a client with low potassium levels.