Author Question: Several patients have been seen in the acute-care clinic. The nurse will plan to administer diuretic ... (Read 18 times)

kshipps · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

Several patients have been seen in the acute-care clinic. The nurse will plan to administer diuretic therapy to which patients?

1. The patient experiencing visual and auditory hallucinations
2. The patient with confusion and ataxia
3. The patient with a blood pressure of 200/98 mmHg
4. The patient with generalized edema and decreased urine output
5. The patient with pinpoint pupils and extreme paranoia

Question 2

The patient is receiving chlorothiazide (Diuril). The nurse suspects the patient is exhibiting side effects to the medication. What will the best assessment of the nurse include?

1. Ataxia and frequent diarrhea
2. Serum potassium level of 3.0 and low blood pressure
3. Serum sodium level of 160 and headaches
4. Mental confusion and dependent edema

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

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3,4
Rationale: Diuretics are indicated for the treatment of renal failure, hypertension, and for the removal of edema fluid. Confusion and ataxia could be the result of non-renal pathology; there is no evidence of fluid overload or hypertension here. Visual and auditory hallucinations could be the result of non-renal pathology; there is no evidence of fluid overload or hypertension here. Pinpoint pupils and extreme paranoia could be the result of non-renal pathology; there is no evidence of fluid overload or hypertension here.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale: Hypokalemia and hypotension are serious side effects of diuretic therapy. Hypernatremia and headaches are not side effects of diuretic therapy. Ataxia and frequent diarrhea are not side effects of diuretic therapy. Mental confusion and dependent edema are not side effects of diuretic therapy.