Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 80%
Simulated
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?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
Triamterene is a potassium-retaining diuretic. Adverse effects include hyperkalemia, dehydration, hyponatremia, and lethargy. Although the concern with most diuretics is hypokalemia, this is a potassium-retaining 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.