A nurse is caring for a client who is taking triamterene.
For which of the following laboratory values should the nurse withhold the medication?
Sodium 142 mEq/L.
BUN 16 mg/dL.
Potassium 5.3 mEq/L.
Albumin 4 g/dL.
The Correct Answer is C
This is a high level of potassium in the blood (the normal range is 3.5 to 5 mEq/L) and can be dangerous for the heart.
Triamterene is a potassium-sparing diuretic that prevents the body from losing too much potassium in the urine. It can cause hyperkalemia (high potassium), especially in people with kidney disease, diabetes, or severe illness. The nurse should check the potassium level before giving triamterene and hold the medication if it is above 5 mEq/L.
The other choices are incorrect because:
Choice A: Sodium 142 mEq/L.
This is a normal level of sodium in the blood (the normal range is 135 to 145 mEq/L) and does not require withholding triamterene. Triamterene can cause hyponatremia (low sodium) by increasing the excretion of sodium in the urine. The nurse should monitor the sodium level during triamterene therapy and report any signs of low sodium such as confusion, weakness, or seizures.
Choice B: BUN 16 mg/dL.
This is a normal level of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in the blood (normal range is 7 to 20 mg/dL) and does not require withholding
triamterene. BUN is a measure of kidney function and can be elevated in kidney disease or dehydration. Triamterene can cause an increase in BUN by reducing the blood flow to the kidneys or by interacting with other medications that affect the kidneys. The nurse should monitor the BUN level during triamterene therapy and report any signs of kidney impairment such as decreased urine output, swelling, or nausea. •
Choice D: Albumin 4 g/dL.
This is a normal level of albumin in the blood (the normal range is 3.4 to 5.4 g/dL) and does not require withholding triamterene. Albumin is a protein that helps maintain fluid balance and transport substances in the blood. Triamterene does not affect albumin levels directly, but it can cause fluid loss or retention that may alter albumin levels indirectly. The nurse should monitor the albumin level during triamterene therapy and report any signs of fluid imbalance such as weight changes, edema, or shortness of breath.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Pruritus is a common adverse effect of morphine administered via continuous epidural infusion. It is caused by the release of histamine from mast cells in the skin. Pruritus can be treated with antihistamines or opioid antagonists. Choice A is wrong because gastric bleeding is not a common adverse effect of morphine administered via continuous epidural infusion.
Gastric bleeding can occur due to peptic ulcer disease, nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or anticoagulants.
Choice C is wrong because cough is not a common adverse effect of morphine administered via continuous epidural infusion.
Cough can be caused by respiratory infections, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Choice D is wrong because tachypnea is not a common adverse effect of morphine administered via continuous epidural infusion.
Tachypnea can be caused by hypoxia, anxiety, pain, or fever. Morphine can cause respiratory depression, which is characterized by bradypnea, not tachypnea.
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
Choice B: Compare the client’s wristband to the medication administration record.
This is the first step to ensure the right patient receives the right medication. This is part of the “five rights” of medication administration.
Choice A: Remove the medication from the dispensing system. This is the second step to obtain the medication from the appropriate source and check the expiration date and dosage.
Choice C: Document administration of the medication. This is the last step to record the time, route, dose, and any adverse effects of the medication.
Choice D: Open the medication package. This should not be done before comparing the client’s wristband to the medication administration record, as it may result in giving the wrong medication or dose to the wrong patient.
Choice E: Obtain the client’s apical heart rate. This should not be done before opening the medication package, as it may delay theadministration of the medication or cause confusion with other medications.
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