A patient is prescribed spironolactone (Aldactone). Why does the nurse advise the patient to avoid the use of salt substitutes?

a. They may cause the patient to be at risk for a high potassium level.
b. They can increase the patient's risk for hypertension.
c. They may lead to hypokalemia.
d. They can cause water retention.


A
Most salt substitutes are made by replacing sodium with potassium. Use of salt substitutes at the same time as potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone increases the patient's risk of a high potassium level (hyperkalemia).

Nursing

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