The nurse is caring for an 80-year-old patient who has just begun taking a Thiazide diuretic to treat hypertension.
What is an important aspect of care for this patient?
Providing a low potassium diet.
Encouraging increased fluid intake.
Initiating a fall risk protocol.
Increasing exercise and activity.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Thiazide diuretics can lead to hypokalemia, thus a low potassium diet is not recommended. Instead, patients should consume potassium-rich foods to maintain electrolyte balance.
Choice B rationale
Thiazide diuretics increase urine output, which can lead to dehydration. Encouraging increased fluid intake helps to prevent dehydration and maintain proper fluid balance.
Choice C rationale
Thiazide diuretics can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, increasing the risk of falls, especially in elderly patients. Initiating a fall risk protocol is important to ensure patient safety.
Choice D rationale
While exercise is beneficial, thiazide diuretics can cause weakness and dizziness, making it important to assess the patient’s tolerance and monitor their response to physical activity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Reassuring the client without addressing the persistent cough would not be appropriate as it may signal a need for a different medication. The ACE inhibitor captopril can cause a bothersome, persistent cough in some patients due to increased bradykinin levels.
Choice B rationale
Instructing the patient to stop the medication immediately is not advised without consulting the healthcare provider. While the cough is a known side effect, stopping the medication abruptly may lead to unmanaged hypertension.
Choice C rationale
Scheduling an appointment with the provider to discuss changing to an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) is appropriate. ARBs do not typically cause a persistent cough, making them a suitable alternative for patients who experience this side effect with ACE inhibitors.
Choice D rationale
Instructing the patient to go to the emergency room immediately is unnecessary as the persistent cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors and not an emergency situation. Emergency action is warranted for symptoms of angioedema, such as swelling of the face or throat.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive disease characterized by obstructed airflow from the lungs. While related to respiratory health, it is distinct from tuberculosis.
Choice B rationale
Bronchiectasis is a condition involving the permanent enlargement of parts of the airways of the lung, often caused by infection or other lung conditions but is different from tuberculosis.
Choice C rationale
Emphysema is a chronic lung condition where the alveoli (air sacs) are damaged, leading to breathing difficulties. This condition is usually associated with smoking and is distinct from tuberculosis.
Choice D rationale
Consumption is an old term for tuberculosis, reflecting the wasting away (consuming) nature of the disease due to the progressive weight loss and weakness it causes.
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