NCLEX^® QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Question of the Week – December 7, 2022

December 7, 2022

A client diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver is receiving oral triamterene daily. Which sign/symptom would indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing an adverse effect of the medication?

Show Answer Answer

Correct! The answer is number 4

Rationale:

Answer: 4

Rationale: Triamterene is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Adverse effects include hyperkalemia, dehydration, hyponatremia, and lethargy. Although the concern with most diuretics is hypokalemia, this is a potassium-sparing medication, which means that the concern with the administration of this medication is hyperkalemia. Other effects include nausea, vomiting, cramping, diarrhea, headache, ataxia, drowsiness, confusion, and fever.

Level of Cognitive Ability: Analyzing
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
Integrated Process: Nursing Process/Data Collection
Content Area: Pharmacology: Cardiovascular: Diuretics
Health Problem: Adult Health: Gastrointestinal: GI Accessory Organs

Practice Question Sourced From: Saunders Q & A Review for the NCLEX-PN® Examination Elsevier eBook on VitalSource, 5th Edition