A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who has heart failure and notes a serum potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L). Which of the following medications should the nurse withheld?
Furosemide
Spironolactone
Metoprolol
Atorvastatin
The Correct Answer is B
A. Furosemide: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes potassium excretion. It does not need to be withheld for a mildly elevated potassium level; in fact, it may help lower potassium levels in hyperkalemia.
B. Spironolactone: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can increase serum potassium. With a level of 5.2 mEq/L, administering spironolactone could worsen hyperkalemia and increase the risk of cardiac complications, so the dose should be withheld and the provider notified.
C. Metoprolol: Metoprolol, a beta-blocker, does not typically raise potassium levels significantly. While beta-blockers can slightly affect potassium, withholding is not indicated solely based on a potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L.
D. Atorvastatin: Atorvastatin, a lipid-lowering agent, has no effect on serum potassium levels and does not need to be withheld in this situation. It can be continued safely.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C"]
Explanation
A. Allow extra time for the client to perform tasks: Clients with vision loss may require additional time to navigate their environment and complete activities safely. Providing extra time reduces stress, supports independence, and promotes a sense of autonomy while performing daily tasks.
B. Touch the client gently to announce presence: The nurse should announce presence verbally first. Touching without warning may startle the client.
C. Keep objects in the client's room in the same place: Maintaining a consistent arrangement of personal items prevents confusion and reduces the risk of falls or accidents. Predictable placement allows the client to perform tasks safely and maintain independence.
D. Approach the client from the side: Approaching from the side is not recommended because it may startle the client. Best practice is to approach from the front while using verbal cues to announce your presence and provide orientation.
E. Ensure there is high-wattage lighting in the client's room: High-intensity lighting may cause glare and discomfort for clients with vision loss, especially those with conditions like macular degeneration. Adequate but non-glare lighting is preferable to support safe mobility.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "This test can determine your risk for bleeding.": Serum prealbumin does not provide information about clotting or bleeding risk. Coagulation studies, such as PT, aPTT, or platelet count, are used to assess bleeding risk, not prealbumin levels.
B. "This test can measure your nutritional status.": Serum prealbumin is a sensitive marker for assessing short-term nutritional status and protein-calorie malnutrition. Because it has a short half-life, changes in prealbumin levels can reflect recent dietary intake and effectiveness of nutritional interventions.
C. "This test can determine your risk for cardiovascular disease.": Prealbumin is not used to assess cardiovascular risk. Lipid profiles, cholesterol levels, and other biomarkers are used for cardiovascular disease risk evaluation, making this statement inaccurate.
D. "This test can measure your kidney function.": Kidney function is assessed through tests such as serum creatinine, BUN, and estimated GFR. Prealbumin levels are not direct indicators of renal function, although severe kidney disease may indirectly affect protein levels.
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