A patient with cirrhosis is prescribed spironolactone. What is the primary reason for this medication?
Promote diuresis and reduce ascites
Prevent worsening liver damage
Reduce blood pressure
Increase urine output without affecting potassium levels
The Correct Answer is A
(A) Promote diuresis and reduce ascites: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic used in cirrhosis to help manage fluid retention and ascites caused by portal hypertension.
(B) Prevent worsening liver damage: Spironolactone does not directly protect the liver.
(C) Reduce blood pressure: Though it can lower BP, this is not its primary use in cirrhosis.
(D) Increase urine output without affecting potassium levels: It spares potassium, but monitoring is still needed to prevent hyperkalemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"B"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"B"},"F":{"answers":"C"},"G":{"answers":"C"}}
Explanation
Prerenal |
Intrarenal |
Postrenal |
Severe Dehydration Sepsis CHF (Congestive Heart Failure) |
Acute Tubular Necrosis (ATN) Gentamicin (Aminoglycoside antibiotic toxicity) |
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Renal Calculi (Kidney Stones) |
Severe Dehydration: Prerenal
Decreased blood flow to the kidneys due to low volume.
Sepsis: Prerenal
Hypotension from systemic infection reduces kidney perfusion.
CHF (Congestive Heart Failure): Prerenal
Reduced cardiac output leads to inadequate renal perfusion.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Postrenal
Urinary outflow obstruction causes back pressure on the kidneys
Renal Calculi (Kidney Stones): Postrenal
Blockage in the urinary tract prevents urine excretion, leading to kidney damage.
Acute Tubular Necrosis (ATN): Intrarenal
Direct injury to kidney tubules due to ischemia or toxins.
Gentamicin (Aminoglycoside antibiotic toxicity): Intrarenal
Causes nephrotoxicity, damaging renal tubules directly.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
(A) Magnesium is 2.0 mEq/L: Normal range (1.5-2.5 mEq/L), not concerning.
(B) Sodium Level is 136 mEq/L: Normal range (135-145 mEq/L), no immediate risk.
(C) Calcium is 10.1 mEq/L: Normal range (8.5-10.5 mEq/L), not a concern.
(D) Potassium Level is 6.1 mEq/L: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, and hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.