C HAPTER 28: D RUGS U SED FOR D IURESIS
Willihnganz: Clayton’s Basic Pharmacology for Nurses, 19th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which serum potassium level is expected in a patient who has severe
vomiting and diarrhea?
a. Less than 3.5 mEq/ L
b. Between 3.5 and 4.5 mEq/L
c. Between 4.6 and 5 mEq/L
d. Higher than 5.5 mEq/L
ANS: A
Serum potassium (K+) levels would be less than 3.5 mEq/L. Hypokalemia is
especiall y likel y to occur when a patient exhibits vomiting, diarrhea, or
heavy diuresis. Between 3.5 and 4.5 mEq/L is the low end of norm al range
for serum potassium. Between 4.6 and 5 mEq/L is the high end of normal
range for serum potassium. Serum K+ levels higher than 5.5 mEq/L indicate
hyperkalemia, which occurs most commonl y when a patient is given
excessive amounts of potassium supple mentation.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 456 OBJ: 4
NAT: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrit y
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Evaluation
CON: Clinical Judgment | Fluid and Electrol ytes
, 2. Which medication, if administered with spi ronolactone (Aldactone), will
alert the nurse to assess the patient for signs and symptoms of
hyperkalemia?
a. Propranolol (Inderal)
b. Captopril (Capoten)
c. Furosemide (Lasix)
d. Ibuprofen (Motrin)
ANS: B
ACE inhibitors, such as captopril, inhibit aldosterone and thus may
contribute to the development of hyperkalemia. Beta blockers, such as
propranolol, do not affect potassium levels. Loop diuretics, such as
furosemide, cause hypokalemia. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, do not affect
potassium levels.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 464 OBJ: 4
NAT: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrit y
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Evaluation CON: Clinical Judgment
3. Which statement by a patient indicates the need for further teaching about
potassium sparing diuretic therapy?
a. “I will take m y medication in the morning.”
b. “I will report a weight gain of 2 lb in 2 days. ”
c. “I will rise slowl y when I get up from a sitting position. ”
d. “I will use a salt substitute because I limit m y salt intake. ”
ANS: D
Salt substitutes are potentiall y dangerous because they are high in potassium.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 463 OBJ: 4
NAT: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrit y
Willihnganz: Clayton’s Basic Pharmacology for Nurses, 19th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which serum potassium level is expected in a patient who has severe
vomiting and diarrhea?
a. Less than 3.5 mEq/ L
b. Between 3.5 and 4.5 mEq/L
c. Between 4.6 and 5 mEq/L
d. Higher than 5.5 mEq/L
ANS: A
Serum potassium (K+) levels would be less than 3.5 mEq/L. Hypokalemia is
especiall y likel y to occur when a patient exhibits vomiting, diarrhea, or
heavy diuresis. Between 3.5 and 4.5 mEq/L is the low end of norm al range
for serum potassium. Between 4.6 and 5 mEq/L is the high end of normal
range for serum potassium. Serum K+ levels higher than 5.5 mEq/L indicate
hyperkalemia, which occurs most commonl y when a patient is given
excessive amounts of potassium supple mentation.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 456 OBJ: 4
NAT: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrit y
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Evaluation
CON: Clinical Judgment | Fluid and Electrol ytes
, 2. Which medication, if administered with spi ronolactone (Aldactone), will
alert the nurse to assess the patient for signs and symptoms of
hyperkalemia?
a. Propranolol (Inderal)
b. Captopril (Capoten)
c. Furosemide (Lasix)
d. Ibuprofen (Motrin)
ANS: B
ACE inhibitors, such as captopril, inhibit aldosterone and thus may
contribute to the development of hyperkalemia. Beta blockers, such as
propranolol, do not affect potassium levels. Loop diuretics, such as
furosemide, cause hypokalemia. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, do not affect
potassium levels.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 464 OBJ: 4
NAT: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrit y
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Evaluation CON: Clinical Judgment
3. Which statement by a patient indicates the need for further teaching about
potassium sparing diuretic therapy?
a. “I will take m y medication in the morning.”
b. “I will report a weight gain of 2 lb in 2 days. ”
c. “I will rise slowl y when I get up from a sitting position. ”
d. “I will use a salt substitute because I limit m y salt intake. ”
ANS: D
Salt substitutes are potentiall y dangerous because they are high in potassium.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: p. 463 OBJ: 4
NAT: NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrit y
