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Which finding is most concerning in a patient receiving spironolactone?

A.

Magnesium is 2.0 mEq/L

B.

Sodium Level is 136 mEq/L

C.

Calcium is 10.1 mEq/L

D.

Potassium Level is 6.1mEq/L

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

(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.


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Related Questions

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.

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]

Explanation

(A) Constipation: Hypocalcemia causes increased GI motility, leading to diarrhea, not constipation.

(B) Trousseau's sign: Carpal spasm when inflating a BP cuff is a classic sign of hypocalcemia.

(C) Positive Chvostek’s sign: Facial twitching when tapping the facial nerve suggests hypocalcemia.

(D) Muscle spasms: Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability, leading to spasms and cramps.

(E) Shortened QT interval: Hypocalcemia prolongs the QT interval, while hypercalcemia shortens it.

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