A nurse is caring for a client who is taking triamterene.
For which of the following laboratory values should the nurse withhold the medication?

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.