Assignment task: Please help me answer the following questions:
Problem I: MJ, a 58yr old patient, has been recently diagnosed with hypertension. His resting blood pressure is 158/92. He is prescribed furosemide 20mg/ day, and is told to eat foods rich in potassium.
- How does furosemide differ from potassium sparing diuretics?
- Why is it necessary for MJ to eat food rich in potassium? Explain your answer.
- What nursing interventions should be considered while MJ takes furosemide?
Problem II: After 1 month on furosemide therapy, MJ becomes weak and complains of nausea and vomiting. His muscles are "soft", and his serum potassium level is 3.2 mEq/L. MJ's diuretic is changed to spironolactone. Again he is advised to eat foods rich in potassium.
- Explain the rationale for changing MJ's diuretic.
- What nursing interventions should the nurse follow for?