Question

A patient receiving Triamterene is admitted to the hospital due to severe metabolic imbalances. Which of the following abnormal findings would the nurse most expect due to a side effect of the medication?

1) Hypercalcemia
2) Hyperkalemia
3) Hypocalcemia
4) Hypokalemia

Answer 1

The expected abnormal finding in a patient receiving Triamterene, a potassium-sparing diuretic, would be hyperkalemia due to the medication's effect on reducing the excretion of potassium in the kidneys, leading to elevated blood levels of potassium.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient receiving Triamterene, a potassium-sparing diuretic, and being admitted to the hospital for severe metabolic imbalances would most likely be experiencing hyperkalemia. Triamterene acts by reducing the excretion of potassium in the kidneys. Since potassium is retained, the patient can experience abnormally elevated blood levels of potassium, which is known as hyperkalemia. This condition is particularly concerning as it can lead to serious symptoms including cardiac arrhythmias, malaise, and potentially fatal outcomes if not addressed promptly and appropriately.

While Triamterene is helping to manage hypertension or reduce fluid retention by sparing potassium, it is critically important to monitor potassium levels to avoid hyperkalemia, especially in individuals who may be at risk due to conditions like renal failure, severe dehydration, or Addison's disease, all of which can decrease the excretion of potassium from the body. Therefore, the expected abnormal finding in a patient on Triamterene would be hyperkalemia (option 2).