A patient taking a thiazide diuretic has the following blood ...

[xclash]

A patient taking a thiazide diuretic has the following blood laboratory values for kidney function. Which value does the nurse report to the prescriber immediately?
 
  a. Sodium 136 mEq/L
  b. Potassium 2.6 mEq/L
  c. Creatinine 0.9 mg/dL
  d. Blood urea nitrogen 6 mg/dL

Question 2

A patient who has been prescribed ethosuximide (Zarontin) tells the nurse about experiencing an upset stomach after each dose of the drug. What is the nurse's best action?
 
  a. Administer a dose of an antinausea drug.
  b. Instruct the patient to take the drug with a full glass of water.
  c. Give the drug with meals or a snack.
  d. Elevate the head of the bed to avoid aspiration.

[Harbringer]

Answer to Question 1

B
Normal blood levels of potassium range between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L. The value listed here, 2.6 mEq/L, is low (hypokalemia) and can weaken the skeletal muscles of respiration. Most likely, the diuretic therapy caused the kidneys to excrete too much potassium. Although the blood urea nitrogen level also is lower than normal, it does not pose an immediate health threat.

Answer to Question 2

C
Among the most common side effects of ethosuximide are GI symptoms such as nausea, vomit-ing, and indigestion. The nurse should give this drug with food or a snack to minimize or prevent these symptoms.

[xclash]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[Jossy]

TYSM