A patient with cirrhosis who is being treated with spironolactone (Aldactone) and furosemide (Lasix) has a serum sodium level of 135 mEq/L (135 mmol/L) and serum potassium 3.2 mEq/L (3.2 mmol/L). Before notifying the health care provider, the nurse should

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Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic and will help to increase the patient's potassium level. The nurse does not need to talk with the doctor before giving the spironolactone, although the health care provider should be notified about the low potassium value. The furosemide will further decrease the patient's potassium level and should be held until the nurse talks with the health care provider.

A Patient with Cirrhosis Who Is Being Treated with Spironolactone