The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with heart failure who is admitted to the medical-surgical unit with acute hypokalemia. Which drug on the client's medication administration record may have contributed to the client's current hypokalemic state?
A)Demerol
B)Cortisol
C)Hydrochlorothiazide
D)Skelaxin

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A)Excess potassium loss through the kidneys is often caused by such medications as corticosteroids, potassium-wasting (loop)diuretics, amphotericin B, and large doses of some antibiotics. Cortisol is a type of corticosteroid and can cause hypokalemia. Thiazide diuretics, narcotics, and muscle relaxers would not bring about potassium loss to cause hypokalemia.
B)Excess potassium loss through the kidneys is often caused by such medications as corticosteroids, potassium-wasting (loop)diuretics, amphotericin B, and large doses of some antibiotics. Cortisol is a type of corticosteroid and can cause hypokalemia. Thiazide diuretics, narcotics, and muscle relaxers would not bring about potassium loss to cause hypokalemia.
C)Excess potassium loss through the kidneys is often caused by such medications as corticosteroids, potassium-wasting (loop)diuretics, amphotericin B, and large doses of some antibiotics. Cortisol is a type of corticosteroid and can cause hypokalemia. Thiazide diuretics, narcotics, and muscle relaxers would not bring about potassium loss to cause hypokalemia.
D)Excess potassium loss through the kidneys is often caused by such medications as corticosteroids, potassium-wasting (loop)diuretics, amphotericin B, and large doses of some antibiotics. Cortisol is a type of corticosteroid and can cause hypokalemia. Thiazide diuretics, narcotics, and muscle relaxers would not bring about potassium loss to cause hypokalemia.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Diagnosed with Heart