A patient taking spironolactone has a follow-up appointment. Which of the following laboratory values would be most important to monitor?
Serum calcium levels
White blood cell count
Thyroid hormone levels
Serum potassium levels
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic and does not typically affect calcium levels. Monitoring calcium is not a priority unless the client has another condition affecting calcium metabolism.
B. Spironolactone does not directly affect WBC counts. Monitoring WBCs is unrelated to this medication unless the client is taking additional drugs that impact bone marrow or immune function.
C. Spironolactone does not influence thyroid function, so assessing TSH or thyroid hormone levels is not necessary for routine follow-up.
D. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which can increase serum potassium, potentially leading to hyperkalemia, a life-threatening condition. Monitoring potassium levels is essential to ensure safe use, particularly in clients with kidney impairment or those taking other potassium-increasing medications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic and does not typically affect calcium levels. Monitoring calcium is not a priority unless the client has another condition affecting calcium metabolism.
B. Spironolactone does not directly affect WBC counts. Monitoring WBCs is unrelated to this medication unless the client is taking additional drugs that impact bone marrow or immune function.
C. Spironolactone does not influence thyroid function, so assessing TSH or thyroid hormone levels is not necessary for routine follow-up.
D. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which can increase serum potassium, potentially leading to hyperkalemia, a life-threatening condition. Monitoring potassium levels is essential to ensure safe use, particularly in clients with kidney impairment or those taking other potassium-increasing medications.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Orthopnea (difficulty breathing when lying flat) is more characteristic of heart failure, not the acute presentation of MI.
B. Chest pain is the hallmark symptom of an acute MI, often described as pressure, squeezing, or heaviness in the chest.
C. The sympathetic nervous system often responds to myocardial ischemia with increased heart rate, making tachycardia a common finding.
D. Headache is not a typical manifestation of MI and is not used in diagnostic assessment for acute coronary events.
E. Excessive sweating is a common autonomic response during an acute MI due to sympathetic activation and pain.
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