A client began taking hydrochlorothiazide 1 week ago and is reporting occasional dizziness when standing up quickly from sitting or lying. What is the nurse's best action?
Arrange for the client's potassium levels to be assessed as soon as possible
Teach the client about the blood pressure effects of the medication and relevant safety measures.
Educate the client about the need for bed rest until the body adjusts to the new medication.
Tell the client to withhold the medication until the client can be assessed by the primary health care provider.
The Correct Answer is B
A. While assessing potassium levels is important for clients on diuretics, the immediate concern is the client's dizziness, which indicates a potential issue with blood pressure.
B. Teaching the client about the potential for orthostatic hypotension caused by hydrochlorothiazide and instructing them on safety measures (e.g., standing up slowly) is crucial to prevent falls and address the dizziness.
C. Bed rest is not necessary; the client should be educated about managing dizziness instead.
D. Withholding the medication is not warranted unless directed by a healthcare provider; the focus should be on safety education.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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B. Teaching the client that significant adverse effects are expected and must be endured is not a supportive approach; the focus should be on managing and minimizing adverse effects rather than accepting them.
C. Administering antihistamines may not be relevant for all patients undergoing anti-infective treatment and is not a primary strategy for ensuring treatment success.
D. Monitoring for signs of arrhythmias or cardiac ischemia is not directly related to ensuring the success of anti-infective treatment; it may be necessary for certain medications but does not address the effectiveness of anti-infectives specifically.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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B. While patients with diabetes should be cautious about certain medications, phenylephrine is not specifically contraindicated in this condition.
C. A 17-year-old female with an upper respiratory infection typically does not have contraindications for phenylephrine unless there are underlying conditions not mentioned.
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