A patient has been placed on a loop diuretic to reduce the fluid that has been accumulating in the lungs.
Which statement made by the patient indicates a need for further teaching about the medication by the nurse?
“I weigh myself each day before breakfast.”.
“If my shortness of breath returns, I’ll contact my healthcare provider.”.
“I’ll have a banana with my breakfast every morning.”.
“I’ll be sure to take my medication with supper.”.
The Correct Answer is D
Taking a loop diuretic with supper is not advisable because it can cause nocturia, which is the need to urinate frequently at night. This can disrupt sleep and affect quality of life. Loop diuretics should be taken in the morning or early afternoon to avoid this problem.
Choice A is wrong because weighing oneself each day before breakfast is a good way to monitor fluid balance and detect any signs of fluid retention or dehydration. This can help adjust the dose of the loop diuretic as needed.
Choice B is wrong because contacting the healthcare provider if shortness of breath returns is a sensible precaution and indicates awareness of the symptoms of worsening heart failure. Shortness of breath is caused by fluid accumulation in the lungs, which loop diuretics help to prevent or reduce.
Choice C is wrong because having a banana with breakfast every morning is a good source of potassium, which can help prevent hypokalemia, a common side effect of loop diuretics. Loop diuretics increase the excretion of potassium in the urine, which can lead to low blood levels of potassium and cause muscle weakness, cramps, fatigue, arrhythmias, and increased sensitivity to digoxin.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
Pentoxifylline is a medication that improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to the tissues in patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD), a condition that causes narrowing of the arteries in the legs.Pentoxifylline can help reduce the symptoms of intermittent claudication, which is cramping pain in the legs that occurs with walking and improves with rest.
Choice A is correct because smoking is a major risk factor for PVD and quitting smoking can improve blood flow and prevent further damage to the arteries.
Choice B is correct because prolonged sitting or standing can reduce blood flow to the legs and worsen symptoms of PVD.
Patients should avoid crossing their legs, wearing tight clothing, or exposing their legs to cold temperatures.They should also elevate their legs when resting and move them frequently.
Choice C is wrong because pentoxifylline should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after meals, to increase its absorption and effectiveness.
Choice D is wrong because physical activity is beneficial for patients with PVD and intermittent claudication.
Exercise can improve blood circulation, increase muscle strength, reduce pain, and lower cardiovascular risk factors.Patients should be encouraged to walk regularly, as tolerated, and follow a supervised exercise program if available.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is because potassium sparing diuretics do not lower potassium levels in the blood, unlike other types of diuretics.Potassium is an essential electrolyte that serves nerve and muscular functions and is regulated by the kidneys.Low potassium levels can cause irregular heartbeats and other problems. Therefore, patients taking potassium sparing diuretics should avoid food sources that are high in potassium, such as bananas, avocados, spinach, and potatoes.
Choice A is wrong because thiazide diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide, can cause low potassium levels in the blood.
Patients taking thiazide diuretics may need to take potassium supplements or eat more potassium-rich foods to prevent hypokalemia.
Choice B is wrong because osmotic diuretics, such as mannitol, do not affect potassium levels in the blood.
They work by increasing the amount of water in the urine, but do not alter the electrolyte balance.
Osmotic diuretics are mainly used to treat cerebral edema and glaucoma.
Choice D is wrong because loop diuretics, such as furosemide, can also cause low potassium levels in the blood.
They work by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and water in the loop of Henle, a part of the kidney.
Loop diuretics are used to treat edema and heart failure.
Normal ranges for potassium in the blood are 3.5 to 5.0 millimoles per liter (mmol/L).
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