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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C. A general anesthetic is used to induce unconsciousness and does not generally result in muscular tremors or drooling.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Nitrates do not share a cross-sensitivity with penicillin and are safe to use in this client.
B. Tetracycline is a different class of antibiotics and does not have cross-sensitivity with penicillin.
C. Aminoglycosides also do not have cross-sensitivity with penicillin and can be safely administered.
D. Cephalosporins are structurally related to penicillin and have a risk of cross-sensitivity; thus, they should not be given to a client with a history of anaphylaxis to penicillin.