Which organ is primarily responsible for excretion of a medication?

Choice A reason: Tinnitus is a rare side effect of Flexeril, which is a medication that relaxes the muscles and relieves pain and stiffness¹. Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that can be caused by various factors, such as ear infections, noise exposure, or certain medications. Flexeril does not affect the auditory system directly, but it can cause confusion or dizziness, which may worsen the perception of tinnitus.

Choice B reason: Drowsiness is the most common side effect of Flexeril, which is a medication that relaxes the muscles and relieves pain and stiffness¹. Drowsiness occurs because Flexeril has sedative and anticholinergic properties, which means that it blocks the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that regulates arousal and alertness. Flexeril can impair the mental and physical abilities, especially in elderly patients or those who take other medications that cause drowsiness¹. The nurse should educate the patient about the risk of drowsiness and advise them to avoid driving or operating machinery while taking Flexeril.

Choice C reason: Diarrhea is not a common side effect of Flexeril, which is a medication that relaxes the muscles and relieves pain and stiffness¹. Diarrhea is a condition that causes loose or watery stools, which can be caused by various factors, such as infections, food intolerance, or certain medications. Flexeril does not affect the gastrointestinal system directly, but it can cause dry mouth, nausea, or constipation, which may alter the bowel movements¹.

Choice D reason: Palpitations are not a common side effect of Flexeril, which is a medication that relaxes the muscles and relieves pain and stiffness¹. Palpitations are a sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeat, which can be caused by various factors, such as stress, anxiety, caffeine, or certain medications. Flexeril does not affect the cardiac system directly, but it can lower the blood pressure or interact with other medications that affect the heart rate, such as betablockers or antidepressants¹.

Choice A reason: Serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L is within the normal range of 135145 mEq/L. It does not indicate any adverse effect of the potassium sparing diuretic, which does not affect sodium excretion significantly. The nurse does not need to notify the health care provider about this finding.
Choice B reason: Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg is slightly above the normal range of 120/80 mmHg, but it is not a cause for concern. The potassium sparing diuretic can lower the blood pressure by reducing the fluid volume and preventing sodium retention. The nurse should monitor the blood pressure regularly but does not need to notify the health care provider about this finding.
Choice C reason: Serum potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L is above the normal range of 3.55.0 mEq/L. It indicates hyperkalemia, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of the potassium sparing diuretic. The potassium sparing diuretic can increase the potassium level by inhibiting its secretion in the distal tubule of the kidney. The nurse should notify the health care provider immediately and prepare to administer interventions such as calcium gluconate, insulin, or sodium bicarbonate to lower the potassium level and prevent cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice D reason: Serum potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L is at the lower end of the normal range of 3.55.0 mEq/L. It does not indicate any adverse effect of the potassium sparing diuretic, which does not cause potassium loss. The nurse does not need to notify the health care provider about this finding.