If the patient PTT lab level is too long and greater than 80 seconds, the nurse should notify the doctor.
Which doctor’s order should the nurse anticipate?

Diuretics are drugs that increase the amount of urine and salt (sodium) excreted by the kidneys. They are used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and edema (fluid retention). However, some diuretics can cause low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia), which can lead to muscle weakness, cramps, and arrhythmias. To prevent this, a combination of diuretics acting on different parts of the kidney (such as a loop diuretic and a thiazide diuretic) may be prescribed.This way, the potassium-sparing effect of one diuretic can balance the potassium-wasting effect of the other, while still achieving a net sodium loss.

Choice A is wrong because they are not a part of the initial diuretic therapy.Combination diuretic therapy is usually reserved for patients who are resistant to or intolerant of monotherapy.

Choice C is wrong because little follow up is not needed after the initial treatment.Patients on combination diuretic therapy require close monitoring of their blood pressure, electrolytes, renal function, and weight to avoid adverse effects such as dehydration, hyponatremia, hypotension, and worsening renal function.

Choice D is wrong because they do not increase the risk of hypokalemia.As explained above, combination diuretic therapy aims to reduce the risk of hypokalemia by using a potassium-sparing diuretic along with a potassium-wasting diuretic.

Normal ranges for serum potassium are 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L and for serum sodium are 135 to 145 mmol/L.

These are all measures that can help prevent urinary tract infection (UTI), which is an infection in any part of the urinary system, including kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Choice A is wrong because holding the urge to urinate as much as possible can allow bacteria to grow in the bladder and cause infection.It is better to urinate frequently and completely to flush out any germs that may enter the urinary tract.

Choice B is correct because emptying the bladder before and after sexual intercourse can help remove any bacteria that may have been introduced during sex.Sexual activity is one of the common causes of UTI, especially in women.

Choice C is correct because taking antibiotics as ordered can help treat an existing UTI or prevent a recurrent one.Antibiotics are the first line of treatment for UTI and they work by killing the bacteria that cause the infection.

Choice D is correct because female patients should wipe from front to back after using the bathroom.This can prevent bacteria from the anus or fecal matter from spreading to the urethra and causing infection.

Choice E is correct because drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water a day can help dilute the urine and flush out any bacteria that may be present in the urinary tract.Water also helps maintain a healthy urinary system by keeping it hydrated and functioning well.