Author Question: A patient is prescribed spironolactone (Aldactone). Why does the nurse advise the patient to avoid ... (Read 121 times)

FButt · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient is prescribed spironolactone (Aldactone). Why does the nurse advise the patient to avoid the use of salt substitutes?

a. They may cause the patient to be at risk for a high potassium level.
b. They can increase the patient's risk for hypertension.
c. They may lead to hypokalemia.
d. They can cause water retention.

Question 2

Which diuretic may cause an adverse effect of a higher than normal serum potassium level?

a. spironolactone (Aldactone)
b. bumetanide (Bumex)
c. chlorothiazide (Diuril)
d. furosemide (Lasix)

BUTTHOL369 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
Most salt substitutes are made by replacing sodium with potassium. Use of salt substitutes at the same time as potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone increases the patient's risk of a high potassium level (hyperkalemia).

Answer to Question 2

A
Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a potassium-sparing diuretic which reduces the amount of potas-sium excreted by the kidneys. As a result, serum potassium levels can become higher than normal.