Choose the group that is correct.
Select all that apply.

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.

This is because nitroglycerin patches can cause tolerance if they are used continuously, which reduces their effectiveness in preventing angina attacks. Removing the patch each evening allows the body to restore its sensitivity to the drug.

Choice A is wrong because nitroglycerin patches should be applied every 24 hours, not every 48 hours.

Applying a new patch every 48 hours would result in inadequate blood levels of the drug and increased risk of angina.

Choice B is wrong because nitroglycerin patches should not be cut in half or altered in any way.

Cutting the patch would compromise the integrity of the drug delivery system and could lead to unpredictable or excessive doses of the drug.

Choice C is wrong because nitroglycerin patches should not be taken off for 30 minutes if a headache occurs.

Headache is a common side effect of nitroglycerin due to its vasodilating action, but it usually subsides with continued use.

Taking off the patch for 30 minutes could increase the risk of angina by interrupting the steady blood levels of the drug.

The nurse should advise the client to take an analgesic such as acetaminophen for headache relief.