Which of the following diuretic agents will the nurse teach the patient to avoid food sources that are high in potassium?
Thiazide diuretic Hydrochlorothiazide.
Osmotic diuretic Mannitol.
Potassium sparing diuretic Aldactone.
Loop diuretic Furosemide.
The Correct Answer is C
This is because potassium sparing diuretics do not lower potassium levels in the blood, unlike other types of diuretics. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that serves nerve and muscular functions and is regulated by the kidneys. Low potassium levels can cause irregular heartbeats and other problems. Therefore, patients taking potassium sparing diuretics should avoid food sources that are high in potassium, such as bananas, avocados, spinach, and potatoes.
Choice A is wrong because thiazide diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide, can cause low potassium levels in the blood.
Patients taking thiazide diuretics may need to take potassium supplements or eat more potassium-rich foods to prevent hypokalemia.
Choice B is wrong because osmotic diuretics, such as mannitol, do not affect potassium levels in the blood.
They work by increasing the amount of water in the urine, but do not alter the electrolyte balance.
Osmotic diuretics are mainly used to treat cerebral edema and glaucoma.
Choice D is wrong because loop diuretics, such as furosemide, can also cause low potassium levels in the blood.
They work by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and water in the loop of Henle, a part of the kidney.
Loop diuretics are used to treat edema and heart failure.
Normal ranges for potassium in the blood are 3.5 to 5.0 millimoles per liter (mmol/L).
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 ["B","C"]
Explanation
The nurse should contact the provider and ask the patient if they are feeling light headed or dizzy.
Choice A is wrong because administering the medication could worsen the patient’s condition.Furosemide is a diuretic that can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and hypotension.The patient already has a low serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L, which is below the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.Giving furosemide could lower the potassium level further and increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias.The patient also has a significant drop in blood pressure from lying to sitting position, which indicates orthostatic hypotension.Giving furosemide could lower the blood pressure more and cause dizziness, fainting, or falls.
Choice D is wrong because encouraging the patient to get up quickly and walk around could also cause dizziness, fainting, or falls due to orthostatic hypotension.The patient should be advised to change positions slowly and carefully, and to avoid activities that require alertness until their blood pressure stabilizes.
Choice E is wrong because holding the medication without contacting the provider could delay the appropriate treatment for the patient’s fluid retention.The nurse should notify the provider of the patient’s vital signs, laboratory results, and symptoms, and follow their orders regarding the medication dosage or alternative therapy.
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