A nurse is teaching a client who has active pulmonary tuberculosis about management of medication for the disease. Which of the following statements is appropriate for the nurse to make?

Choice A Reason:
"You should monitor for hearing difficulties." is correct. Loop diuretics like bumetanide can occasionally cause ototoxicity, resulting in hearing difficulties or ringing in the ears (tinnitus) as a potential adverse effect. It's important for clients taking these medications to be aware of such symptoms and report them promptly to their healthcare provider.
Choice B Reason:
"You should take the medication at bedtime." Is incorrect. Bumetanide is commonly prescribed to be taken in the morning to avoid nighttime diuresis and potential sleep disruption due to increased urination.
Choice C Reason:
"You should decrease your intake of foods high in potassium." Is incorrect. Loop diuretics often lead to potassium loss, so clients may actually need to increase their intake of potassium-rich foods or take potassium supplements under healthcare provider guidance to maintain normal potassium levels.
Choice D Reason:
"You should take this medication on an empty stomach." Is incorrect. Bumetanide can be taken with or without food, so it's not necessary to take it on an empty stomach.

Choice A Reason:
Hct 44% is incorrect. A hematocrit (Hct) level of 44% falls within the normal range for most adults. It represents the proportion of red blood cells in the blood and is not typically concerning unless it significantly deviates from the normal range, indicating anemia or polycythemia.
Choice B Reason:
WBC count 5,000/mm3 is incorrect. A white blood cell (WBC) count of 5,000/mm3 falls within the normal range for adults, reflecting a normal immune response. There's usually no cause for immediate concern unless there are specific clinical symptoms or significant deviations from the normal range.
Choice C Reason:
Potassium 4.2 mEq/L is incorrect. A potassium level of 4.2 mEq/L is within the normal range for serum potassium levels. It's crucial to monitor potassium levels, especially with medications that can affect electrolyte balance, but this value falls within the typical range and may not prompt immediate action unless there are notable fluctuations or clinical symptoms related to potassium imbalance.
While the majority of the laboratory values provided fall within the normal range, the value that the nurse should consider reporting to the provider, particularly when a client is taking amitriptyline, is:
Choice D Reason:
Total bilirubin 1.5 mg/dL is correct. Elevated levels of total bilirubin might indicate potential liver function impairment. Amitriptyline, an antidepressant, can affect liver enzymes in some individuals, causing hepatic changes. Therefore, it's crucial to monitor liver function tests, including total bilirubin, during amitriptyline therapy. An increase in bilirubin levels could signal hepatotoxicity or liver dysfunction related to the medication.