The patient is receiving hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL) as well as digoxin (Lanoxin). Which lab result would the nurse recognize as most significant?

1. ALT level of 35 units/L
2. Sodium level of 140 mEq/L
3. Potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L
4. BUN level of 20 mg/dl


Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: Hypokalemia caused by hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL) may increase digoxin (Lanoxin) toxicity. The normal range for potassium is 3.5 to 5.2 mEq/L. The concern is hypokalemia, not sodium levels; this sodium level is within normal range. The concern is hypokalemia, not liver damage, and this ALT level is within normal range. The concern is hypokalemia, not kidney function, and this BUN is within normal range.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

In an attempt to contain the staffing budget the nurse manager may introduce:

1. Advanced practice nurses 2. Cross training of nursing staff 3. Longer work days 4. Nurses with bachelor degrees

Nursing

Increased pulse pressure can be caused by which of the following? Select all that apply

a. Cold d. Hyperthyroidism b. Heat e. Arteriovenous fistula c. Hypothyroidism f. Decreased stroke volume

Nursing

Down syndrome may occur because of a translocation defect. This means the

A) infant inherits chromosomal material from only one parent. B) parents have a chromosomal pattern that is exactly alike. C) additional chromosome was inherited because it was attached to a normal chromosome. D) parents are such close relatives that their genes are incompatible.

Nursing

The nurse needs to administer 1000 mcg of a medication and has 1-mg tablets. How many tablets does the nurse administer?

a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4

Nursing