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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

According to various guidelines12345, the recommended rate of intravenous potassium replacement is 10-20 mEq/h with continuous ECG monitoring. The maximum rate is 40 mEq/h in emergency situations. The prescription given by the provider exceeds this limit and could cause cardiac arrhythmias or hyperkalemia.

Choice B is wrong because potassium chloride is a common and appropriate formulation of potassium for intravenous administration.

Choice C is wrong because potassium chloride should not be diluted in dextrose 5% in water, as this could cause hyperglycemia or osmotic diuresis.

Choice D is wrong because potassium should never be given by IV bolus, as this could cause cardiac arrest or tissue necrosis.

A. Mix the medications with a semisolid food for the client. B. Administer more than one pill to the client at a time. C. Place the medications on the back of the client’s tongue. D. Tilt the client’s head back when administering the medications.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse should plan to take the following action:

A) Mix the medications with a semisolid food for the client.

Mixing the medications with a semisolid food, such as applesauce or pudding, can make it easier for an older adult client with dysphagia to swallow the medications safely. It helps in reducing the risk of choking and aspiration. This approach is typically used for clients who have difficulty swallowing pills.

Options B, C, and D are not recommended for a client with dysphagia:

B) Administering more than one pill at a time can increase the risk of choking and aspiration, which should be avoided.

C) Placing medications on the back of the client's tongue can also lead to difficulty swallowing and an increased risk of aspiration.

D) Tilting the client's head back when administering medications is not recommended as it can lead to aspiration. The head should be kept in a neutral position to support safe swallowing.

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Explanation

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