A nurse is reviewing the lab work of a client on a medical-surgical unit who has a new prescription for captopril. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse identify as the priority to monitor?
Alanine aminotransferase
Thyroid-stimulating hormone
Potassium
Magnesium
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Monitoring alanine aminotransferase is important for liver function, but it is not the priority for a client on captopril.
B. Thyroid-stimulating hormone is not directly impacted by captopril and is not the priority lab value to monitor in this context.
C. Potassium is the priority laboratory value to monitor because captopril, an ACE inhibitor, can lead to hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels), which can cause serious cardiac complications.
D. While magnesium levels are important to monitor, they are not specifically related to captopril therapy as potassium levels are.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Albuterol: This is a bronchodilator that can cause side effects such as increased heart rate and chest pain due to its stimulant effect on the cardiovascular system.
B. Furosemide: This diuretic is unlikely to cause chest pain directly; however, it may lead to electrolyte imbalances that can indirectly affect cardiac function.
C. Digoxin: While digoxin has several potential side effects, chest pain is not commonly recognized as a direct adverse effect of this medication.
D. Atenolol: This medication is a beta-blocker used to manage hypertension and is unlikely to cause chest pain; rather, it may help alleviate angina symptoms.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Hydrochlorothiazide does not prevent angiotensin II from binding with receptor sites; this action is typically associated with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers.
B. Hydrochlorothiazide decreases the reabsorption of sodium and water in the distal renal tubule, which leads to increased urine output and decreased blood volume, effectively lowering blood pressure.
C. Hydrochlorothiazide does not block beta receptors; this is the mechanism of action for beta-blockers.
D. Hydrochlorothiazide does not promote the movement of extravascular fluids into the vascular compartment; instead, it reduces blood volume by promoting diuresis.