A nurse understands that a common reason why a patient is prescribed a combination of diuretics is because?
They are a part of the initial diuretic therapy.
They decrease the risk of hypokalemia while still excreting sodium.
They boost the blood-pressure-lowering effect of other medications.
They have fewer side effects when used in a drug combination.
The Correct Answer is B
Hypokalemia is a condition where the blood potassium level is too low, which can cause muscle weakness, arrhythmias, and other problems. Diuretics are drugs that increase urine output and help remove excess fluid from the body. Some diuretics, such as loop diuretics, also cause potassium loss in the urine. To prevent hypokalemia, a combination of diuretics may be prescribed, such as a loop diuretic with a potassium-sparing diuretic or a thiazide diuretic. These combinations help balance the potassium level while still removing sodium and water.
Choice A is wrong because they are not a part of the initial diuretic therapy. Combination diuretic therapy is usually reserved for patients who have resistant edema or hypertension that does not respond to monotherapy.
Choice C is wrong because they do not boost the blood-pressure-lowering effect of other medications. Diuretics can lower blood pressure by reducing blood volume and relaxing blood vessels, but they are not used to enhance the effect of other antihypertensive drugs.
Choice D is wrong because they do not have fewer side effects when used in a drug combination. Combination diuretic therapy can increase the risk of electrolyte imbalances, such as hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and metabolic alkalosis. It can also cause hypotension, dehydration, and worsening renal function. Therefore, combination diuretic therapy should be used with caution and close monitoring.
Normal ranges for blood potassium level are 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L or 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Normal ranges for blood sodium level are 135 to 145 mmol/L or 135 to 145 mEq/L.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are less than 120/80 mm Hg for normal, 120-129/less than 80 mm Hg for elevated, 130-139/80-89 mm Hg for stage 1 hypertension, and 140 or higher/90 or higher mm Hg for stage 2 hypertension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is because digoxin inhibits the Na-K-ATPase pump on the membrane of cardiac cells, which can cause extracellular potassium levels to rise.Hypokalemia (low potassium) caused by large dosages of diuretics may result in digoxin toxicity even at low serum digoxin levels.Digoxin toxicity can cause gastrointestinal, constitutional, and/or cardiovascular symptoms, as well as ECG changes such as signs of increased automaticity and atrioventricular node blockade.
Choice B is wrong because calcium 9.2 mg/dL is within the normal range of 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL.Hypercalcemia (high calcium) can increase sensitivity to digoxin effects and lead to toxicity even with a lower concentration of serum digoxin, but this is not the case here.
Choice C is wrong because potassium 4.8 mEq/L is within the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.
Hyperkalemia (high potassium) can also increase the risk of digoxin toxicity, but this is not the case here.
Choice D is wrong because calcium 10.3 mg/dL is within the normal range of 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL.Hypercalcemia (high calcium) can increase sensitivity to digoxin effects and lead to toxicity even with a lower concentration of serum digoxin, but this is not the case here.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Positive inotropy and negative chronotropy.Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that increases the force of the heart contractions (positive inotropy) and slows down the heart rate (negative chronotropy).
Choice A is wrong because positive chronotropy means increasing the heart rate, which is the opposite of what digoxin does.
Choice B is wrong because negative inotropy means decreasing the force of the heart contractions, which is also the opposite of what digoxin does.
Choice D is wrong because positive chronotropy means increasing the heart rate, which is not what digoxin does.
Digoxin is used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat.It has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning that the dose must be carefully adjusted to avoid toxicity or ineffectiveness.
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