Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 62%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of heart failure and is prescribed spironolactone. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: Potassium. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic commonly used in heart failure to prevent potassium loss. The nurse should monitor potassium levels to prevent hyperkalemia, a potential side effect of spironolactone. Monitoring sodium levels (choice A) is not typically necessary with spironolactone. Calcium (choice C) and magnesium (choice D) levels are not directly affected by spironolactone. Therefore, the nurse should focus on monitoring potassium levels as the top priority.