Question

A patient with diabetes has a new prescription for a thiazide diuretic. Which statement will the nurse include when teaching the patient about thiazide drugs?

a. "There is nothing for you to be concerned about when you are taking the thiazide diuretic."
b. "Be sure to avoid foods that are high in potassium."
c. "You need to take the thiazide at night to avoid interactions with the diabetes medicine."
d. "Monitor your blood glucose level closely, because the thiazide diuretic may cause the levels to increase."

Answer 1

The correct statement for the nurse to include when teaching a patient with diabetes about the use of thiazide diuretics is to closely monitor blood glucose levels, as thiazides can increase these levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

When educating a patient with diabetes who has a new prescription for a thiazide diuretic, the nurse should include the statement: "Monitor your blood glucose level closely, because the thiazide diuretic may cause the levels to increase." Thiazide diuretics can affect blood glucose levels, potentially leading to hyperglycemia. This is particularly important for patients with diabetes to be aware of, as they must closely manage their blood glucose levels to avoid complications. As thiazides may influence glucose control, patients should be instructed to monitor their blood glucose levels more diligently when initiating or changing the dose of a thiazide diuretic.