A patient is being treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) for bronchitis. The patient has been taking captopril (Capoten) and spironolactone (Aldactone). The nurse would expect which of the following findings?
a. Potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L
b. Potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L
c. Sodium level of 139 mEq/L
d. Chloride level of 104 mEq/L
ANS: A
The nurse would expect a potassium level of 5.5, because both captopril and spironolactone can cause hyperkalemia. Also, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole can cause hypersensitivity reactions in patients taking thiazide and loop diuretics and can affect the kidneys.
A potassium level of 3.5 is normal.
The sodium and chloride levels are normal.
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