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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that can raise blood pressure, making it contraindicated for individuals with hypertension. Advising a patient with hypertension to avoid phenylephrine is essential to prevent potential cardiovascular complications.
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.
D. Gout does not have a direct contraindication for phenylephrine use, so the patient may not need to avoid it unless other health issues are present.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. heart rate is not the primary concern when assessing the interaction between NSAIDs and loop diuretics.
B. blood pressure is correct; the combination of an NSAID and a loop diuretic can lead to fluid retention, potentially elevating blood pressure. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial in this context.
C. cognition is not directly impacted by the combination of these medications.
D. assessment for signs of bleeding is important when taking NSAIDs due to their effect on platelet function, but the more immediate concern is the potential fluid retention affecting blood pressure.