A client with heart failure (HF) develops hyperaldosteronism and spironolactone is prescribed. Which instruction should the nurse include in this patient’s plan of care?
Replace salt with a salt substitute.
Limits intake of high-potassium foods.
Cover your skin before going outside.
Monitor skin for excessive bruising.
The Correct Answer is B
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that works by blocking the actions of aldosterone, a hormone that can lead to potassium loss in the urine. However, in some cases, spironolactone can cause hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium in the blood), which can be dangerous for patients with heart failure. Therefore, it is important to instruct the patient to limit their intake of high-potassium foods such as bananas, oranges, tomatoes, spinach, and salt substitutes containing potassium.
Option a (Replace salt with a salt substitute) is incorrect because salt substitutes often contain potassium, which can further increase the risk of hyperkalemia.
Option c (Cover your skin before going outside) is unrelated to the use of spironolactone and hyperkalemia.
Option d (Monitor skin for excessive bruising) is not directly related to the use of spironolactone and hyperkalemia, although it is a potential side effect of other medications used to treat heart failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Baclofen is a muscle relaxant medication used to treat muscle spasticity, which is a condition that causes muscles to become stiff and rigid. It works by reducing the activity of nerves in the brain and spinal cord that cause muscle spasms.
Option a, using stool softener as needed, is appropriate because baclofen can cause constipation as a side effect.
Option b, avoiding ingestion of alcohol, is also appropriate because alcohol can increase the sedative effects of baclofen and cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Option d, taking medication with meals, is recommended because it can help reduce stomach upset and nausea that may occur as a side effect of the medication.
Option c, discontinuing the medication when spasms cease, is incorrect because muscle spasticity is a chronic condition, and baclofen is used to manage symptoms over a prolonged period. Discontinuing the medication abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms and exacerbate the spasticity. Therefore, the nurse should educate the client to take the medication as prescribed by the healthcare provider and not discontinue it without medical advice.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic commonly used to treat urinary tract infections. One of the adverse effects of nitrofurantoin is diarrhea, which may be severe and watery. Therefore, it is important for the home care nurse to inform the client that the diarrhea may be a side effect of the medication and requires further evaluation. The nurse should instruct the client to stop taking the medication and contact their healthcare provider for further assessment and treatment. The nurse should also assess the client's fluid and electrolyte status and monitor for signs of dehydration.
Option a is important to consider, but it does not address the potential adverse effect of the medication.
Option c may be appropriate in some cases, but it is not the priority intervention at this time.
Option d is not necessarily true and may cause unnecessary alarm to the client.
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