Question

Nurse is monitoring for adverse effects of hydrochlorothiazide after administering the medication to an older adult patient who has HF. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an adverse effect of the medication?

A) Increased blood pressure.
B) Hypokalemia.
C) Weight gain.
D) Bradycardia

Answer 1

The nurse should identify hypokalemia as an adverse effect of hydrochlorothiazide in an older adult patient with heart failure (HF).

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should identify hypokalemia as an adverse effect of hydrochlorothiazide in an older adult patient with heart failure (HF).

1. Increased blood pressure does not indicate an adverse effect of hydrochlorothiazide. It is actually used to treat hypertension by reducing blood pressure.
2. Hypokalemia is a potential adverse effect of hydrochlorothiazide. This medication can increase the excretion of potassium in urine, leading to low potassium levels in the body.
3. Weight gain is not an adverse effect of hydrochlorothiazide. In fact, it is a diuretic that can help reduce fluid retention and promote weight loss.
4. Bradycardia is not a common adverse effect of hydrochlorothiazide. It may cause electrolyte imbalances, which can affect heart rhythm, but bradycardia is not specifically associated with this medication.