The nurse is caring for a client who has been placed on spironolactone (Aldactone). The nurse assesses this client for hyperkalemia because of which concurrent medication?

1. Prinivil (Zestril)
2. Digoxin (Lanoxin)
3. Furosemide (Lasix)
4. Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL)


Correct Answer: 1

Rationale 1: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, and does such an efficient job of retaining potassium that hyperkalemia can develop. The probability of hyperkalemia is increased if the client is also taking an ACE inhibitor.
Rationale 2: Digoxin (Lanoxin) is incorrect because digoxin toxicity occurs most often with the use of loop diuretics (Lasix) or thiazide diuretics (HydroDIURIL).
Rationale 3: Furosemide (Lasix) is incorrect. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, and does such an efficient job of retaining potassium that hyperkalemia can develop. The probability of hyperkalemia is increased if the client is also taking an ACE inhibitor.
Rationale 4: Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is incorrect because this is a thiazide diuretic.

Global Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, and does such an efficient job of retaining potassium that hyperkalemia can develop. The probability of hyperkalemia is increased if the client is also taking an ACE inhibitor. Digoxin (Lanoxin) is incorrect because digoxin toxicity occurs most often with the use of loop diuretics (Lasix) or thiazide diuretics (HydroDIURIL). Furosemide (Lasix) is incorrect. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, and does such an efficient job of retaining potassium that hyperkalemia can develop. The probability of hyperkalemia is increased if the client is also taking an ACE inhibitor. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is incorrect because this is a thiazide diuretic.

Nursing

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