A patient is being treated for bilateral adrenal hyperplasia with an aldosterone antagonist. The nurse should prepare to administer ___________. The nurse understands that the rationale for this treatment is to _________________
a. spironolactone (Aldactone); increase the sodium level
b. hydrocortisone; increase the blood glucose level
c. spironolactone (Aldactone); help stabilize the potassium level
d. fludrocortisone (Florinef); reduce the serum sodium level
C
When bilateral adrenal hyperplasia is the cause of hyperaldosteronism, an aldosterone antagonist is the preferred treatment. Spironolactone is used most often, because it normalizes the potassium level within 2 weeks.
Spironolactone is used to treat bilateral adrenal hyperplasia; however, it normalizes the potassium level rather than increasing the sodium level.
Hydrocortisone is not indicated for the treatment of bilateral adrenal hyperplasia.
Fludrocortisone is indicated for the treatment of Addison's disease, primary hypoaldosteronism, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The sodium level should increase with this drug.
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