Question

The patient is receiving chlorothiazide (Diuril). What is the best medication education by the nurse?

1. "Avoid foods high in potassium, such as bananas."
2. "Weigh yourself, and report a gain of more than 2 pounds in 24 hours."
3. "Weigh yourself and report a gain of more than 0.5 pounds in 24 hours."
4. "Report signs of hypokalemia, such as vomiting and diarrhea."

Answer 1

The best advice for a patient taking chlorothiazide (Diuril) is to report signs of hypokalemia, as thiazide diuretics can lead to potassium depletion. Avoiding potassium-rich foods is not recommended, but patients should be alert for excessive fluid retention indicated by rapid weight gain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best medication education by the nurse for a patient receiving chlorothiazide (Diuril), a thiazide diuretic, would be to "Report signs of hypokalemia, such as vomiting and diarrhea." Thiazide diuretics reduce the reabsorption of Na+ and Cl- in the distal convoluted tubule, increasing urine output which can subsequently lead to the depletion of potassium. Hence, it is important to monitor for signs of low potassium (hypokalemia), rather than avoiding potassium-rich foods. On the other hand, significant weight gain in a short period can be a sign of fluid retention, so patients are often advised to monitor their weight. However, a gain of more than 2 pounds in 24 hours is a more practical reporting threshold, which would be consistent with excessive fluid retention possibly requiring medical attention.