Which information obtained by the nurse in the clinic about a patient who has been taking prednisone 40 mg daily for 3 weeks is most important to report to the health care provider?

Choice A reason: Monitoring for signs of dehydration is crucial because Mr. Carter's symptoms of nausea and vomiting can lead to fluid loss. Ensuring adequate hydration is essential for maintaining overall health and supporting liver function.
Choice B reason: Providing education about proper hand hygiene is important to prevent the transmission of hepatitis A, especially since Mr. Carter recently traveled to an area where he may have been exposed to the virus. Proper hand hygiene can help reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.
Choice C reason: Encouraging a high-protein dietary intake is not appropriate in this case. While protein is important for liver repair, Mr. Carter's liver function is compromised, and a high-protein diet may increase the liver's workload. Instead, a balanced diet with adequate calories and nutrients is recommended.
Choice D reason: Administering intravenous antibiotics is not indicated for hepatitis A, as it is a viral infection and not bacterial. Antibiotics would not be effective in treating this condition.
Choice E reason: Advising rest and limiting physical activity is important to support recovery. Mr. Carter's symptoms of fatigue and jaundice indicate that his body needs time to heal. Resting helps conserve energy and allows the liver to recover.
Choice F reason: Educating the patient about the need for lifelong hepatitis A vaccination is crucial. Although hepatitis A does not typically cause chronic infection, vaccination can prevent future infections and protect against the virus.

Choice A reason:
Administering furosemide in this scenario would further lower the serum potassium level, as furosemide is a loop diuretic known for causing potassium loss through urine. This action could worsen the patient’s hypokalemia, leading to severe complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, administering furosemide in the presence of hypokalemia is inappropriate and could put the patient at significant risk.
Choice B reason:
Administering both spironolactone and furosemide together without addressing the hypokalemia would not be safe. While spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, combining it with furosemide could negate its potassium-sparing effects. Furthermore, administering furosemide when hypokalemia is present could cause further electrolyte imbalance. Proper evaluation of the patient's condition and selective administration of the medications are crucial in this case.
Choice C reason:
Withholding both medications and attributing the decision to contraindications with hyperkalemia is incorrect because the reported potassium level (3.2 mEq/L) reflects hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia. Misinterpreting the lab result could delay appropriate treatment, such as correcting the potassium level or safely administering a medication that would not exacerbate the hypokalemia. Proper communication with the healthcare provider is necessary for effective patient care.
Choice D reason:
Administering spironolactone is the best action in this scenario because it is a potassium-sparing diuretic. By administering spironolactone, the risk of worsening hypokalemia is minimized. Notifying the healthcare provider about the low potassium level ensures appropriate monitoring and any necessary interventions, such as potassium supplementation. This approach is both safe and effective in managing the patient’s current condition while adhering to standard nursing practices.