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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View Related questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) "These tests will enable the provider to determine the heart structure and mobility of the heart valves." This statement is incorrect because cardiac enzyme tests, including troponin levels, do not assess heart structure or valve mobility. Imaging studies like echocardiograms are typically used for evaluating heart structure and function.
B) "Cardiac enzymes assist in diagnosing the presence of congestive heart failure." While cardiac enzymes can provide some information about heart function, they are not specifically used to diagnose congestive heart failure. The primary role of cardiac enzymes, particularly troponin, is in diagnosing myocardial injury, such as an acute myocardial infarction.
C) "Cardiac enzymes like troponin shows there has been damage to the heart tissues and muscle." This statement accurately reflects the purpose of measuring troponin levels. Troponin is a protein released into the bloodstream when heart muscle cells are damaged, making it a crucial biomarker for diagnosing an acute myocardial infarction.
D) "Cardiac enzymes will identify the exact location of the MI." This statement is misleading. While troponin levels can indicate that damage has occurred, they do not provide information about the specific location of the myocardial infarction. Other imaging techniques, such as an angiogram, are needed to determine the exact location of blockages or damage.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Increase of high-density lipoproteins: While higher levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) are generally associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, enalapril is not primarily used to target lipid levels. Its main purpose is to manage blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart failure and renal complications, rather than specifically affecting HDL levels.
B) Decreased pain from intermittent claudication: Intermittent claudication is typically related to peripheral artery disease, which may not be directly improved by enalapril. While managing blood pressure can indirectly benefit circulation, enalapril is not indicated specifically for alleviating pain associated with claudication.
C) Decreased blood pressure: Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor used primarily to treat hypertension. A significant decrease in blood pressure is a direct therapeutic effect of the medication, indicating that it is effectively managing the client’s condition. Monitoring blood pressure helps assess the medication's efficacy in achieving the desired therapeutic outcome.
D) Decrease in low-density lipoproteins: Although reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels can benefit cardiovascular health, enalapril is not primarily prescribed for this purpose. Its effects on lipid levels are minimal compared to its role in lowering blood pressure and protecting renal function, making a decrease in LDL levels an irrelevant indicator of its therapeutic effect.