Summary
Summary ( 9 Questions)
A client who has hypertension is prescribed hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic. The nurse teaches the client about dietary modifications while taking this medication.
Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
This is a correct statement, as hydrochlorothiazide causes increased potassium excretion and can lead to hypokalemia if not supplemented.
This is a correct statement, as sodium and fluids can cause fluid retention and edema, which can increase blood pressure and counteract the effects of hydrochlorothiazide.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that lowers blood pressure by increasing urine output and reducing fluid volume. However, it also causes increased excretion of potassium and magnesium, and decreased excretion of calcium and uric acid. Therefore, clients taking hydrochlorothiazide should eat more foods that are rich in potassium and magnesium, such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach, nuts, and seeds; limit their intake of sodium and fluids to prevent fluid retention and edema; avoid foods that are high in uric acid, such as organ meats, shellfish, and alcohol; and monitor their serum calcium levels regularly. There is no need to avoid foods that are high in calcium, as hydrochlorothiazide does not increase calcium excretion.
This is a correct statement, as alcohol can increase uric acid levels and cause gout attacks in clients taking hydrochlorothiazide. Alcohol can also lower blood pressure and increase the risk of orthostatic hypotension.
"I will avoid foods that are high in calcium."
Rationale: Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that lowers blood pressure by increasing urine output and reducing fluid volume. However, it also causes increased excretion of potassium and magnesium, and decreased excretion of calcium and uric acid. Therefore, clients taking hydrochlorothiazide should eat more foods that are rich in potassium and magnesium, such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach, nuts, and seeds; limit their intake of sodium and fluids to prevent fluid retention and edema; avoid foods that are high in uric acid, such as organ meats, shellfish, and alcohol; and monitor their serum calcium levels regularly. There is no need to avoid foods that are high in calcium, as hydrochlorothiazide does not increase calcium excretion.
Incorrect options:
A) "I will eat more foods that are rich in potassium." - This is a correct statement, as hydrochlorothiazide causes increased potassium excretion and can lead to hypokalemia if not supplemented.
B) "I will limit my intake of sodium and fluids." - This is a correct statement, as sodium and fluids can cause fluid retention and edema, which can increase blood pressure and counteract the effects of hydrochlorothiazide.
D) "I will drink alcohol in moderation." - This is a correct statement, as alcohol can increase uric acid levels and cause gout attacks in clients taking hydrochlorothiazide. Alcohol can also lower blood pressure and increase the risk of orthostatic hypotension.