A nurse understands that a common reason why a patient is prescribed a combination of diuretics is because?
They are a part of the initial diuretic therapy.
They decrease the risk of hypokalemia while still excreting sodium.
They boost the blood-pressure-lowering effect of other medications.
They have fewer side effects when used in a drug combination.
The Correct Answer is B
Hypokalemia is a condition where the blood potassium level is too low, which can cause muscle weakness, arrhythmias, and other problems. Diuretics are drugs that increase urine output and help remove excess fluid from the body. Some diuretics, such as loop diuretics, also cause potassium loss in the urine. To prevent hypokalemia, a combination of diuretics may be prescribed, such as a loop diuretic with a potassium-sparing diuretic or a thiazide diuretic. These combinations help balance the potassium level while still removing sodium and water.
Choice A is wrong because they are not a part of the initial diuretic therapy. Combination diuretic therapy is usually reserved for patients who have resistant edema or hypertension that does not respond to monotherapy.
Choice C is wrong because they do not boost the blood-pressure-lowering effect of other medications. Diuretics can lower blood pressure by reducing blood volume and relaxing blood vessels, but they are not used to enhance the effect of other antihypertensive drugs.
Choice D is wrong because they do not have fewer side effects when used in a drug combination. Combination diuretic therapy can increase the risk of electrolyte imbalances, such as hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and metabolic alkalosis. It can also cause hypotension, dehydration, and worsening renal function. Therefore, combination diuretic therapy should be used with caution and close monitoring.
Normal ranges for blood potassium level are 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L or 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Normal ranges for blood sodium level are 135 to 145 mmol/L or 135 to 145 mEq/L.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are less than 120/80 mm Hg for normal, 120-129/less than 80 mm Hg for elevated, 130-139/80-89 mm Hg for stage 1 hypertension, and 140 or higher/90 or higher mm Hg for stage 2 hypertension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Intermittent claudication is a condition in which leg pain is produced upon increased activity and ischemia to tissues, but then the pain is reduced with rest. This is because the blood flow to the leg muscles is insufficient to meet the increased demand during exercise, but adequate at rest.Intermittent claudication is a common symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is a narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the legs.
Choice B, sporadic ischemia, is wrong because it is not a specific medical term for a condition that causes leg pain.
Ischemia means reduced blood flow to a part of the body, which can cause pain, but it can be caused by various factors and affect different organs.
Choice C, angina, is wrong because it is a term for chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, not the legs.
Angina can also be triggered by physical activity and relieved by rest, but it is not related to PAD or leg ischemia.
Choice D, restless leg syndrome, is wrong because it is a condition that causes an uncomfortable urge to move the legs, usually at night or when lying down.
Restless leg syndrome does not cause pain or ischemia in the legs, and it is not improved by rest.It is thought to be related to a problem with the nervous system or iron deficiency.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
According to the International Society of Hypertension, lifestyle interventions are recommended for three to six months before medication in patients with grade 1 hypertension (BP < 160/100 mm Hg) and no comorbidities.Diet and exercise can lower BP by reducing weight, sodium intake, alcohol consumption, and stress levels.
Choice A is wrong because angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are not the first-line medication for hypertension in the general population.They are preferred in patients with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or heart failure.
Choice B is wrong because combination diuretics are not the initial recommendation for hypertension.They are used when monotherapy is not sufficient to achieve the target BP or when there is fluid retention.
Choice C is wrong because beta-adrenergic blocking agents are not the first-line medication for hypertension in the general population.They are preferred in patients with ischemic heart disease, heart failure, or arrhythmias.
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