The nurse is monitoring a client taking a potassium sparing diuretic. Which of the following findings would prompt the nurse to notify the health care provider?
Serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L
Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg
Serum potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L
Serum potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L is within the normal range of 135145 mEq/L. It does not indicate any adverse effect of the potassium sparing diuretic, which does not affect sodium excretion significantly. The nurse does not need to notify the health care provider about this finding.
Choice B reason: Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg is slightly above the normal range of 120/80 mmHg, but it is not a cause for concern. The potassium sparing diuretic can lower the blood pressure by reducing the fluid volume and preventing sodium retention. The nurse should monitor the blood pressure regularly but does not need to notify the health care provider about this finding.
Choice C reason: Serum potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L is above the normal range of 3.55.0 mEq/L. It indicates hyperkalemia, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of the potassium sparing diuretic. The potassium sparing diuretic can increase the potassium level by inhibiting its secretion in the distal tubule of the kidney. The nurse should notify the health care provider immediately and prepare to administer interventions such as calcium gluconate, insulin, or sodium bicarbonate to lower the potassium level and prevent cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice D reason: Serum potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L is at the lower end of the normal range of 3.55.0 mEq/L. It does not indicate any adverse effect of the potassium sparing diuretic, which does not cause potassium loss. The nurse does not need to notify the health care provider about this finding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is correct. Blood pressure is the most important vital sign to monitor after giving sublingual nitroglycerin to a client with chest pain. Nitroglycerin is a medication that dilates the blood vessels and lowers the blood pressure. This can relieve the chest pain caused by angina, which is a condition where the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen due to narrowed or blocked arteries. However, if the blood pressure drops too low, the client may experience dizziness, fainting, or shock. Therefore, the nurse should check the blood pressure before and after giving nitroglycerin and report any significant changes to the doctor.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Blood glucose levels are not directly affected by sublingual nitroglycerin. However, some clients with chest pain may also have diabetes, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Diabetes is a condition where the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood. High or low blood sugar levels can cause symptoms such as thirst, hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, or confusion. Therefore, the nurse should check the blood glucose levels of clients with diabetes and follow the doctor's orders for managing their blood sugar.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Body temperature is not directly affected by sublingual nitroglycerin. However, some clients with chest pain may also have a fever, which is a sign of infection or inflammation. Fever is a condition where the body's temperature rises above the normal range. Fever can cause symptoms such as sweating, chills, headache, or muscle ache. Therefore, the nurse should check the body temperature of clients with fever and follow the doctor's orders for treating their infection or inflammation.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Respiratory rate is not directly affected by sublingual nitroglycerin. However, some clients with chest pain may also have difficulty breathing, which is a sign of heart failure or lung disease. Difficulty breathing is a condition where the client cannot get enough air into or out of the lungs. Difficulty breathing can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or gasping. Therefore, the nurse should check the respiratory rate of clients with difficulty breathing and follow the doctor's orders for improving their oxygenation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Bradycardia is not an adverse effect of diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is a medication that blocks the action of histamine, a chemical that causes allergic reactions and inflammation. Diphenhydramine can also block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. Diphenhydramine does not affect the heart rate or blood pressure significantly, and it is not associated with bradycardia, which is a slow heart rate that can cause dizziness, fatigue, or fainting. The nurse should monitor the vital signs of the client after administering diphenhydramine, but bradycardia is not a common or expected outcome.
Choice B reason: Sedation is an adverse effect of diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is a medication that blocks the action of histamine, a chemical that causes allergic reactions and inflammation. Diphenhydramine can also block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. Diphenhydramine can cross the bloodbrain barrier and block the histamine receptors in the brain, which are involved in regulating the sleepwake cycle and alertness. Diphenhydramine can cause sedation, sleepiness, drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, which can affect the performance and safety of the client. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other tasks that require mental alertness after taking diphenhydramine, and to take the medication at bedtime or as needed for sleep.
Choice C reason: Constipation is not an adverse effect of diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is a medication that blocks the action of histamine, a chemical that causes allergic reactions and inflammation. Diphenhydramine can also block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. Diphenhydramine does not affect the gastrointestinal motility or secretion significantly, and it is not associated with constipation, which is a condition of infrequent or difficult bowel movements. The nurse should encourage the client to eat a balanced and highfiber diet, drink plenty of fluids, and exercise regularly to prevent or treat constipation, but diphenhydramine is not a contributing factor.
Choice D reason: Hypertension is not an adverse effect of diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is a medication that blocks the action of histamine, a chemical that causes allergic reactions and inflammation. Diphenhydramine can also block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. Diphenhydramine does not affect the blood pressure or the vascular tone significantly, and it is not associated with hypertension, which is a condition of high blood pressure that can cause headaches, chest pain, or stroke. The nurse should monitor the blood pressure of the client after administering diphenhydramine, but hypertension is not a common or expected outcome.
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