Question

The patient is receiving chlorothiazide (Diuril). The nurse suspects the patient is exhibiting side effects to the medication. What will the best assessment of the nurse include?

1. Ataxia and frequent diarrhea
2. Serum potassium level of 3.0 and low blood pressure
3. Serum sodium level of 160 and headaches
4. Mental confusion and dependent edema

Answer 1

When assessing for side effects of chlorothiazide (Diuril), the nurse should check for signs of electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia indicated by a serum potassium level of
`3.0` and observe for symptoms of low blood pressure. Other potential side effects include increased urination, dehydration, and confusion, which can stem from electrolyte disturbances.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient is receiving chlorothiazide (Diuril), which is a thiazide diuretic commonly used to treat hypertension. As a diuretic, it works by causing the kidneys to remove unneeded water and salt through urine. When assessing a patient for side effects of chlorothiazide, the nurse should observe for symptoms related to fluid and electrolyte imbalances. One such side effect can be a low serum potassium level, which is known as hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can manifest with symptoms like muscle weakness, cramping, and arrhythmias. Additionally, diuretics can lead to a drop in blood pressure, so observing for signs of low blood pressure is also important.

Among the given options, serum potassium level of
`3.0` and low blood pressure are likely to be pertinent findings when suspecting side effects from chlorothiazide (Diuril). A serum potassium level of
`3.0 mEq/L` is indicative of hypokalemia (normal range is typically between
`3.6 to 5.2 mEq/L` ). The nurse should also be vigilant for other potential side effects such as increased urination, dehydration, hypochloremia, and hyponatremia (low sodium). Mental confusion can occur due to electrolyte imbalances, but dependent edema is less likely as diuretics are used to reduce fluid retention.