A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is taking hydrochlorothiazide. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
Take the medication on an empty stomach.
Muscle weakness is an expected adverse effect.
Increase daily intake of foods high in potassium.
Take the medication at bedtime.
The Correct Answer is C
Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic commonly used to treat hypertension and edema. One of the potential side effects of hydrochlorothiazide is hypokalemia (low potassium levels). To help counteract this effect, it is important for the client to increase their daily intake of foods high in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, spinach, avocados, and potatoes. This helps maintain adequate potassium levels in the body.
The other options mentioned are incorrect:
Take the medication on an empty stomach: Hydrochlorothiazide can be taken with or without food. It does not need to be taken on an empty stomach.
Muscle weakness is an expected adverse effect: Muscle weakness is not a common or expected adverse effect of hydrochlorothiazide. If the client experiences muscle weakness, they should notify their healthcare provider.
Take the medication at bedtime: Hydrochlorothiazide can be taken at any time of the day. There is no specific requirement to take it at bedtime. The dosing schedule should be determined based on the individual's needs and healthcare provider's instructions.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
When reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for aluminum hydroxide to treat heartburn, the nurse should include constipation as an adverse effect of the medication. Aluminum hydroxide is an antacid commonly used to neutralize stomach acid and provide relief from heartburn and indigestion. However, one of its potential side effects is constipation. Aluminum hydroxide can slow down intestinal motility, leading to infrequent or difficult bowel movements.
Hypertension: Aluminum hydroxide is not known to cause hypertension (high blood pressure). However, clients with pre-existing hypertension should be cautious when using antacids containing sodium bicarbonate, as the sodium content may impact blood pressure levels.
Flatulence: Flatulence (excessive gas) is not a common adverse effect of aluminum hydroxide. It primarily works by neutralizing stomach acid and does not typically cause increased gas production.
Headache: Headache is not commonly reported as an adverse effect of aluminum hydroxide. It is more likely to be associated with other factors such as the underlying condition causing heartburn or individual factors.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This statement is incorrect and requires correction because it suggests starting the flow of urine before positioning the collection container, which can result in contamination of the specimen. The correct procedure for collecting a midstream urine specimen involves the following steps:
1. Provide the client with a clean urine specimen container.
2. Instruct the client to cleanse the genital area using a provided towelette or antiseptic wipes, wiping from front to back.
3. Instruct the client to start urinating into the toilet or bedpan.
4. As the urine stream continues, the client should pass the collection container into the stream to collect the midstream specimen.
5. Once an adequate amount of urine has been collected (as per the laboratory's instructions), the client should remove the container from the stream of urine. 6. The client can then complete urinating into the toilet or bedpan.
The other statements made by the newly licensed nurse are correct:
"Use the provided towelette to cleanse the area by moving in a back-and-forth motion": This statement correctly instructs the client to cleanse the genital area before collecting the urine specimen.
"It will be easier to use your nondominant hand to spread the labia": This statement is correct as it suggests using the nondominant hand to facilitate the collection process.
"Remove the specimen container before stopping the stream of urine": This statement is correct as it indicates that the container should be removed before completing urination.
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