Question

A nurse is monitoring for adverse effects of hydrochlorothiazide after administering the medication to an older adult client who has heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse id as an adverse effect of the med?

A) Increased blood pressure
B) Hypokalemia
C) Weight loss
D) Hyperglycemia

Answer 1

Hypokalemia is an adverse effect of hydrochlorothiazide in older adults with heart failure. It results from the diuretic's action on the kidney, leading to increased excretion of potassium, which can cause cardiac issues and muscle weakness.

Step-by-step explanation:

An adverse effect of hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic medication, would be B) Hypokalemia. Hydrochlorothiazide works by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and chloride ions in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney. This leads to increased excretion of water and electrolytes like potassium, which can result in low potassium levels in the blood. This is different from loop diuretics, which act on the ascending limb of the loop of Henle.

Hypokalemia can be dangerous, especially in older adults with heart failure, as it can lead to arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and increased risk of other adverse cardiac events. Increased blood pressure is not typically a side effect of hydrochlorothiazide; this medication is used to manage hypertension and would generally result in lowered blood pressure. Weight loss can occur due to the diuretic action leading to fluid loss, but it is not usually significant as a side effect unless the dehydration becomes severe. Hydrochlorothiazide can lead to hyperglycemia; however, hypokalemia is more commonly associated with its use and poses significant risks for heart failure patients.