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 D
Explanation
A) Tachycardia: Propranolol is often used to manage tachycardia by reducing heart rate and controlling excessive adrenergic activity. Therefore, this diagnosis would not warrant clarification of the order; it is an appropriate use of the medication.
B) End-stage kidney failure: While caution is necessary when administering medications in clients with renal impairment, propranolol is primarily metabolized by the liver, and its use is not contraindicated in end-stage kidney failure. However, renal function can affect dosing, so monitoring would be important, but this diagnosis alone wouldn't require clarification.
C) Hypertension: Propranolol is commonly prescribed to manage hypertension, making this diagnosis a valid reason for the medication order. The use of propranolol in this context would not need clarification.
D) Asthma: Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker, which can cause bronchoconstriction and exacerbate asthma symptoms. This diagnosis would require the nurse to clarify the order, as beta-blockers are generally contraindicated in clients with asthma due to the risk of respiratory complications. If the client has reactive airway disease, an alternative medication should be considered.