A nurse is caring for a client who is being administered spironolactone (Aldactone). Which of the following laboratory values should be monitored due to taking this medication?
Troponins
Potassium
Albumin
Bicarbonate
The Correct Answer is B
A) Troponins: These are primarily used to assess for cardiac damage, such as in myocardial infarction. They are not directly related to the effects of spironolactone, so monitoring troponins is not necessary in this context.
B) Potassium: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which can lead to elevated potassium levels (hyperkalemia). This can have serious implications, including cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor potassium levels regularly in clients taking
spironolactone to prevent potential complications.
C) Albumin: While albumin levels can provide information about the client's nutritional status and liver function, they are not specifically affected by spironolactone. Monitoring albumin is not a priority when considering the use of this medication.
D) Bicarbonate: Bicarbonate levels are important for assessing acid-base balance. Although spironolactone may have some impact on acid-base status, monitoring bicarbonate is not as critical as monitoring potassium levels, which are directly affected by the medication's action.
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Correct Answer is ["B","C","E","G"]
Explanation
A) Family history: Family history is a significant non-modifiable risk factor for atherosclerosis. While individuals cannot change their genetic predisposition, awareness of family history can inform lifestyle choices and risk assessments. Those with a family history should be particularly vigilant about managing other risk factors.
B) High blood pressure: High blood pressure is a modifiable risk factor that can be controlled through lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and medication if necessary. Effective management of hypertension can significantly reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases.
C) Obesity: Obesity is another modifiable risk factor. Individuals can manage their weight through healthy eating, physical activity, and lifestyle modifications. Reducing obesity can improve overall cardiovascular health and decrease the risk of developing atherosclerosis.
D) Age: Age is a non-modifiable risk factor. As people age, the risk for atherosclerosis naturally increases due to various biological changes. While aging itself cannot be altered, awareness of age-related risks can prompt individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles.
E) Lack of physical activity: This is a modifiable risk factor. Increasing physical activity can improve cardiovascular health and reduce the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis. Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels, contributing to overall heart health.
F) Gender: Gender is also a non-modifiable risk factor. While certain genders may have different risks at various life stages (e.g., men often have a higher risk at a younger age), this characteristic cannot be changed. Understanding gender-related risks can aid in tailoring preventive strategies but does not offer a means of modification.
G) Smoking: Smoking is a critical modifiable risk factor for atherosclerosis. Quitting smoking can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases and improve overall health. Smoking cessation should be a priority for individuals looking to prevent or manage atherosclerosis effectively.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Intermittent claudication: This term describes the leg pain and cramping that occurs during physical activity, such as walking, and is relieved by rest. It is a classic symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and results from insufficient blood flow to the muscles due to narrowed or blocked arteries. The client's description aligns perfectly with this definition.
B) Neuropathy: While neuropathy can cause leg pain, it typically presents differently, often with sensations like tingling, numbness, or burning rather than cramping during activity. Neuropathy does not specifically correlate with the pattern of pain relief upon resting, which is characteristic of intermittent claudication.
C) Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): DVT generally presents with symptoms like swelling, warmth, and tenderness in the affected leg, rather than cramping pain that is related to activity. The pain associated with DVT is not typically relieved by rest, making this option inconsistent with the client’s symptoms.
D) Venous insufficiency: This condition is characterized by symptoms such as swelling, varicosities, and skin changes, primarily in the lower extremities. Pain related to venous insufficiency tends to occur after prolonged standing or sitting and is not typically relieved by rest in the same way as intermittent claudication. Therefore, this option does not accurately describe the client’s experience.