Biology Forums - Study Force

What teaching point should the nurse include for a client who is prescribed a thiazide diuretic?
 
  1. Take the medication in the morning
  2. Take with two full glasses of water
  3. Avoid foods containing potassium
  4. Take before bed

1

Rationale 1: The client should take a diuretic in the morning to avoid frequent urination at night.
Rationale 2:Take with two full glasses of water is incorrect because the diuretic increases urine output, and does not need to be taken with two glasses of water.
Rationale 3:Avoid foods containing potassium is incorrect because a thiazide diuretic causes the client to lose potassium in the urine. A client would not need to avoid potassium in foods.
Rationale 4:Take before bed is incorrect because the client should take a diuretic in the morning to avoid frequent urination at night.

Global Rationale: The client should take a diuretic in the morning to avoid frequent urination at night. The diuretic should not be taken with two glasses of water. Thiazide diuretics cause the client to reduce blood volume through urinary excretion of water and electrolytes, including potassium, sodium, and magnesium. The client should not take the medication at night as frequent trips to the restroom will interrupt the client's sleep pattern.