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 B
Explanation
A. A drug that binds tightly to protein is typically released slowly, not quickly, as it remains bound in circulation.
B. Tight binding to proteins usually results in a prolonged duration of action since the drug is released gradually into the bloodstream, leading to sustained therapeutic effects.
C. Drugs that bind tightly to protein are generally not excreted quickly; they remain in circulation longer due to the binding.
D. While toxicity can occur with any drug, tight protein binding does not inherently lead to toxicity; it primarily affects the pharmacokinetics of the drug.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Performing a blood sugar analysis is important, but the immediate symptoms indicate hypoglycemia, and rapid treatment is necessary before confirming blood sugar levels.
B. Having the client drink a glass of orange juice provides a quick source of glucose to counteract hypoglycemia, which is the most appropriate initial response to address the client's symptoms.
C. Administering 1 ampule of 50% dextrose intravenously is an appropriate intervention for severe hypoglycemia but is not the initial step for a client who can still take oral carbohydrates.
D. Administering insulin would worsen the client's condition by lowering blood sugar levels further, which is not indicated in this scenario.