Medications for heart failure
Medications for heart failure ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is receiving spironolactone (Aldactone). Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing an adverse effect of this medication? (Select all that apply)
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that prevents the body from absorbing too much salt and keeps the potassium levels from getting too low. However, this also means that it can cause high potassium levels (hyperkalemia) in some patients, especially those with kidney problems or taking other medications that affect potassium. Hyperkalemia can cause serious symptoms such as muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, nausea, and paralysis.
Choice B is wrong because Hypokalemia is wrong because spironolactone does not cause low potassium levels, but rather prevents them.
Choice C is wrong because Gynecomastia is wrong because it is not a common adverse effect of spironolactone in women, but rather in men. Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in males due to hormonal imbalance.
Choice D is wrong because Menorrhagia is wrong because it is not a common adverse effect of spironolactone in women, but rather in men. Menorrhagia is the excessive or prolonged bleeding during menstrual periods.
Impotence is wrong because it is not a common adverse effect of spironolactone in women, but rather in men. Impotence is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.
The correct answer is choice A. Hyperkalemia. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that prevents the body from absorbing too much salt and keeps the potassium levels from getting too low. However, this also means that it can cause high potassium levels (hyperkalemia) in some patients, especially those with kidney problems or taking other medications that affect potassium. Hyperkalemia can cause serious symptoms such as muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, nausea, and paralysis.
Choice B is wrong because Hypokalemia is wrong because spironolactone does not cause low potassium levels, but rather prevents them.
Choice C is wrong because Gynecomastia is wrong because it is not a common adverse effect of spironolactone in women, but rather in men. Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in males due to hormonal imbalance.
Choice D is wrong because Menorrhagia is wrong because it is not a common adverse effect of spironolactone in women, but rather in men. Menorrhagia is the excessive or prolonged bleeding during menstrual periods.
Choice E. Impotence is wrong because it is not a common adverse effect of spironolactone in women, but rather in men. Impotence is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.