Question

Which statement needs to be included when the nurse provides patient education for a patient with heart failure who is taking daily doses of spironolactone (Aldactone)?

a. "Be sure to eat foods that are high in potassium."
b. "Avoid foods that are high in potassium."
c. "Avoid grapefruit juice while taking this medication."
d. "A low-fiber diet will help prevent adverse effects of this medication."

Answer 1

The correct statement that needs to be included when the nurse provides patient education for a patient with heart failure who is taking daily doses of spironolactone (Aldactone) is to avoid foods that are high in potassium.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement that needs to be included when the nurse provides patient education for a patient with heart failure who is taking daily doses of spironolactone (Aldactone) is option b. 'Avoid foods that are high in potassium.'

Spironolactone is a medication that belongs to a group of drugs known as potassium-sparing diuretics. It works by causing the kidneys to remove excess water and sodium from the body while retaining potassium. Since spironolactone can increase potassium levels in the blood, it is important for the patient to avoid consuming foods that are high in potassium to prevent further elevation of potassium levels.

Consuming foods that are high in potassium can lead to hyperkalemia, a serious condition characterized by an abnormally high concentration of potassium in the blood. Therefore, it is crucial for the patient to follow a low-potassium diet while taking spironolactone to prevent potential complications.