During a home visit, a client informs the nurse about feeling like the heart is skipping beats. When reviewing the client's record, the nurse notes that the client is taking hydrochlorothiazide. Based on these assessment data, the nurse plans to obtain a blood sample to check for which condition?
Hypokalemia.
Hyponatremia
Hyperphosphatemia.
Hypermagnesemia.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Hypokalemia: Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that can cause potassium loss through increased urine production. A common side effect of thiazide diuretics is hypokalemia, which can lead to symptoms such as palpitations or the sensation of the heart skipping beats. Therefore, it is crucial to check the client’s potassium levels to determine if hypokalemia is contributing to the client's symptoms.
B. Hyponatremia: While thiazide diuretics can affect sodium levels, hypokalemia is more directly associated with the symptoms described. Hyponatremia (low sodium levels) might also occur but is less commonly linked to the symptom of a skipped heartbeat compared to hypokalemia.
C. Hyperphosphatemia: Hydrochlorothiazide is not known to cause significant changes in phosphate levels, and hyperphosphatemia is not typically associated with the sensation of skipped heartbeats.
D. Hypermagnesemia: This condition, which involves elevated magnesium levels, is not a common side effect of hydrochlorothiazide. Hypokalemia is a more relevant concern for the symptoms described.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Affirm the decision to use the medication when the symptoms start to worsen: Waiting to start rivastigmine until symptoms worsen may not be the best approach, as early intervention can be more beneficial in managing symptoms and slowing disease progression.
B. Assess the client’s current mental status before deciding to support the decision: While assessing the client's mental status is important, the immediate concern is to educate on the timing of medication use rather than evaluating the current state of the client.
C. Confirm that the daughter is aware of the progressive nature of the disease: It is important for the daughter to understand the progressive nature of Alzheimer's disease, but this does not directly address the timing for starting rivastigmine.
D. Explain that the drug should be used early in the course of the disease process: Rivastigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, is most effective when started early in the course of Alzheimer's disease. Early use can help manage symptoms more effectively and potentially delay progression.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Avoid the intake of dairy products while using the medication: There is no specific requirement to avoid dairy products when using bulk-forming laxatives. The primary concern with bulk-forming laxatives is to ensure they are taken with adequate fluids.
B) Take the medication one hour after meals and other medications: Bulk-forming laxatives should be taken with a meal or at a different time from other medications to prevent interactions, but the key aspect is to follow the medication with sufficient fluids rather than timing relative to meals.
C) Remain upright for thirty minutes following drug administration: While remaining upright can help prevent potential esophageal irritation, it is not the primary instruction for bulk-forming laxatives. The more critical instruction is related to fluid intake to ensure effectiveness and prevent complications.
D) Follow medication administration with an additional glass of water: Bulk-forming laxatives require adequate fluid intake to function properly. Following the medication with an additional glass of water helps the laxative form a gel-like substance in the intestines, which aids in bowel movement and prevents potential complications like obstruction.
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