Question

A female patient who begins taking spironolactone [Aldactone] as an adjunct to furosemide [Lasix] complains that her voice is deepening. What will the nurse do?

a. Contact the provider to obtain an order for a complete blood count (CBC) and liver function tests.
b. Explain that this drug binds with receptors for steroid hormones, causing this effect.
c. Report this side effect to the provider and request another medication for this patient.
d. Teach the patient to report any associated cough, which may indicate a more severe side effect.

Answer 1

The nurse should report the side effect of voice deepening in a female patient taking spironolactone to the provider, as it is a known side effect of the drug due to its anti-androgen effects. Changes in the treatment plan or medication may be necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a female patient who is taking spironolactone [Aldactone] notices that her voice is deepening, it is important for the nurse to report this side effect to the provider. Spironolactone is known to bind with receptors for steroid hormones, and this can cause side effects such as voice deepening due to its anti-androgen effects, which can interfere with testosterone and other male hormones. The provider may consider this side effect significant enough to warrant changing medications or adjusting the treatment plan. While a CBC and liver function tests are important in certain contexts, especially when a medication is known to cause liver problems, they are not directly related to the side effect of voice deepening.