A patient is started on a diuretic for antihypertensive therapy. The nurse expects that a drug in which class is likely to be used initially?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Thiazide diuretics are commonly used as first-line therapy for hypertension due to their effectiveness, safety profile, and affordability. They work by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule, leading to increased elimination of sodium and water, ultimately reducing blood volume and blood pressure. Thiazide diuretics are generally well-tolerated and have been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Loop diuretics, such as furosemide, are more potent diuretics typically reserved for use in conditions where aggressive diuresis is needed, such as heart failure or renal disease. Osmotic diuretics, like mannitol, are primarily used for reducing intracranial pressure or preventing acute kidney injury. Potassium-sparing diuretics are often used in combination with other diuretics to prevent hypokalemia but are not typically used as

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Given the patient's history of liver transplant and current medications (prednisone and azathioprine), the nurse should pay close attention to an increased cholesterol level. Corticosteroids (such as prednisone) and immunosuppressants (such as azathioprine) can both contribute to dyslipidemia, leading to elevated cholesterol levels. Monitoring cholesterol levels is crucial in this patient population to assess cardiovascular risk and potentially adjust medications or lifestyle interventions accordingly. The other findings mentioned (soft non-tender lump in the shoulder, grade 1+ pitting edema in the feet, swollen and pinkish gums) may be important to note but do not directly relate to the patient's history of liver transplant and medication regimen.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Lithium is a medication commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. One of the major side effects of lithium therapy is the risk of developing seizures, especially when the blood level of lithium becomes too high (lithium toxicity). Therefore, it is crucial to monitor patients on lithium therapy for signs of seizures, such as convulsions, loss of consciousness, or twitching. Monitoring lithium levels regularly and adjusting the dosage as needed can help reduce the risk of seizures in patients taking this medication.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Furosemide belongs to the class of drugs known as loop diuretics. These diuretics act on the thick ascending loop of Henle in the kidney to inhibit sodium and chloride reabsorption, leading to increased urine production and subsequent fluid loss. Loop diuretics are commonly used to treat conditions such as heart failure, hypertension, and edema. Furosemide is a widely prescribed loop diuretic known for its potent diuretic effects.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Phenytoin (Dilantin) belongs to the therapeutic class of anticonvulsants. Anticonvulsants are medications primarily used to treat and prevent seizures and are commonly prescribed for patients with epilepsy. Phenytoin works by stabilizing the electrical activity in the brain to prevent abnormal brain activity that leads to seizures. It is not classified as a mood stabilizer or bronchodilator; its main purpose is to control epileptic seizures.