Author Question: The nurse is assessing a patient prior to the administration of a diuretic. The nurse knows it is ... (Read 54 times)

Mimi · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse is assessing a patient prior to the administration of a diuretic. The nurse knows it is essential to assess which vital signs at this time?

1. Temperature
2. Pulse
3. Respirations
4. Blood pressure
5. Pain

Question 2

The nurse is instructing a patient on the importance of eating foods rich in potassium while taking a diuretic that causes hypokalemia. Which diuretics do not require potassium supplements?

1. Furosemide (Lasix)
2. Chlorothiazide (Diuril)
3. Amiloride (Midamor)
4. Mannitol (Osmitrol)
5. Spironolactone (Aldactone)

Sophiapenny · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2,4
Rationale 1: It is not necessary to assess temperature prior to administering a diuretic.
Rationale 2: The nurse must assess the patient's pulse prior to administering a diuretic.
Rationale 3: It is not necessary to assess respirations prior to administering a diuretic.
Rationale 4: The nurse must assess the patient's blood pressure prior to administering a diuretic.
Rationale 5: It is not necessary to assess the patient's pain prior to administering a diuretic.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3,5
Rationale 1: Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic that often causes hypokalemia. Patients taking furosemide are encouraged to eat foods high in potassium or take a potassium supplement.
Rationale 2: Chlorothiazide (Diuril) is a thiazide diuretic that often causes hypokalemia. Patients taking chlorothiazide are encouraged to eat foods high in potassium or take a potassium supplement.
Rationale 3: Amiloride (Midamor) is a potassium-sparing diuretic; therefore, patients do not need to eat foods high in potassium or take a potassium supplement while on this medication.
Rationale 4: Mannitol (Osmitrol) is an osmotic diuretic that causes hypokalemia. A patient should be instructed to take a potassium supplement.
Rationale 5: Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Patients on this medication are not required to eat foods high in potassium or take a potassium supplement.