Which of the following should be avoided for clients taking ACE Inhibitors?
Food high in potassium.
Low sodium diet.
Adequate fluid intake.
Foods low in potassium.
The Correct Answer is A
Food high in potassium should be avoided for clients taking ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors are drugs that block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which is a potent vasoconstrictor and also stimulates the secretion of aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone that increases the reabsorption of sodium and water and the excretion of potassium in the kidneys. By inhibiting angiotensin II, ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure and reduce the loss of potassium. However, this can also lead to hyperkalemia, which is a high level of potassium in the blood that can cause cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Therefore, clients taking ACE inhibitors should limit their intake of foods that are rich in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, spinach, beans, nuts, and salt substitutes.
Choice B is wrong because a low sodium diet is recommended for clients taking ACE inhibitors.
A low sodium diet can help lower blood pressure and reduce fluid retention, which are beneficial effects for clients with hypertension, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease. A low-potassium diet should aim for potassium intake of less than 50 or 75 mmol/day and sodium intake of less than 60 mmol/day for hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease.
Choice C is wrong because adequate fluid intake is not contraindicated for clients taking ACE inhibitors.
Adequate fluid intake can help prevent dehydration and maintain kidney function, especially in patients with diabetes or nephropathy. However, excessive fluid intake may worsen heart failure or edema in some patients, so fluid intake should be individualized and monitored according to the patient’s condition and response to therapy.
Choice D is wrong because foods low in potassium are not harmful for clients taking ACE inhibitors.
Foods low in potassium do not affect the serum potassium level or the risk of hyperkalemia in clients taking ACE inhibitors. However, foods low in potassium may not provide enough dietary potassium for normal cellular functions, so a balanced diet that includes moderate amounts of potassium-rich foods is advisable.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Diuretics are drugs that increase the amount of urine and salt (sodium) excreted by the kidneys. They are used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and edema (fluid retention). However, some diuretics can cause low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia), which can lead to muscle weakness, cramps, and arrhythmias. To prevent this, a combination of diuretics acting on different parts of the kidney (such as a loop diuretic and a thiazide diuretic) may be prescribed.This way, the potassium-sparing effect of one diuretic can balance the potassium-wasting effect of the other, while still achieving a net sodium loss.
Choice A is wrong because they are not a part of the initial diuretic therapy.Combination diuretic therapy is usually reserved for patients who are resistant to or intolerant of monotherapy.
Choice C is wrong because little follow up is not needed after the initial treatment.Patients on combination diuretic therapy require close monitoring of their blood pressure, electrolytes, renal function, and weight to avoid adverse effects such as dehydration, hyponatremia, hypotension, and worsening renal function.
Choice D is wrong because they do not increase the risk of hypokalemia.As explained above, combination diuretic therapy aims to reduce the risk of hypokalemia by using a potassium-sparing diuretic along with a potassium-wasting diuretic.
Normal ranges for serum potassium are 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L and for serum sodium are 135 to 145 mmol/L.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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).
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