A patient prescribed spironolactone is demonstrating ECG changes ...

[ETearle]

A patient prescribed spironolactone is demonstrating ECG changes and complaining of muscle weakness. The nurse realizes this patient is exhibiting signs of which electrolyte imbalance?
 
  1. hyperkalemia
  2. hypokalemia
  3. hypercalcemia
  4. hypocalcemia

Question 2

A patient is diagnosed with hypokalemia. After reviewing the patient's current medications, which drug should the nurse consider that might have contributed to the patient's health problem?
 
  1. corticosteroid
  2. thiazide diuretic
  3. narcotic
  4. muscle relaxer

[pangili4]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Hyperkalemia is serum potassium level greater than 5.3 mEq/L. Decreased potassium excretion is seen in potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone. Common manifestations of hyperkalemia are muscle weakness and ECG changes. Hypokalemia is seen in non-potassium diuretics such as furosemide. Hypercalcemia has been associated with thiazide diuretics. Hypocalcemia is seen in patients who have received many units of citrated blood and is not associated with diuretic use.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Excess potassium loss through the kidneys is often caused by such medications as corticosteroids, potassium-wasting diuretics, amphotericin B, and large doses of some antibiotics. Excessive sodium is lost with the use of thiazide diuretics. Narcotics and muscle relaxers do not typically affect electrolyte balance.

[ETearle]

Excellent

[nyrave]

TYSM