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 A
Explanation
A) Shiny, hairless lower extremities: In advanced peripheral arterial disease (PAD), the skin on the lower extremities often appears shiny and hairless due to reduced blood flow. The lack of hair growth and the shiny appearance are indicative of ischemia and poor circulation, making this a common finding in clients with advanced PAD.
B) Warm lower extremities: This finding is not typical in advanced PAD. Due to compromised blood flow, the lower extremities are more likely to feel cool or cold to the touch rather than warm. Warm skin can indicate good blood flow, which is usually absent in cases of significant arterial disease.
C) Thin toenails: In advanced PAD, toenails may become thin and brittle due to insufficient blood supply, which can lead to impaired nail growth. This change is consistent with the overall effects of reduced circulation and is an expected finding in clients with advanced PAD.
D) Lower extremity bilateral pulse 3+: A 3+ pulse indicates a strong and bounding pulse, which is not typically present in advanced PAD. In fact, patients with PAD often exhibit diminished or absent pulses in the affected extremities due to poor arterial circulation. Therefore, this finding does not align with the expected assessment results for advanced PAD.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Diuretics are the first line therapy to control hypertension.": This statement is accurate. Thiazide diuretics are commonly recommended as first-line treatment for mild hypertension, as they help reduce blood volume and lower blood pressure effectively.
B. "Reaching your goal blood pressure will occur within 2 months.": While treatment can lead to improvements in blood pressure, the timeline for reaching target levels can vary significantly among individuals based on adherence to lifestyle changes and medication. It's important to communicate that achieving the goal may take longer than two months.
C. "Plan to add saturated fats to 10 percent of your daily calorie intake.": This recommendation is misleading. Guidelines generally suggest limiting saturated fats to less than 10 percent of total daily calories to promote heart health, not adding them.
D. "Limit your alcohol consumption to three drinks a day.": This statement is also inaccurate. For most adults, the recommendation is to limit alcohol to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women to help manage blood pressure effectively.