Question

The nurse is caring for a client who is prescribed medication for the treatment of hypertension. The nurse recognizes that which medication conserves potassium?

a. Furosemide
b. Spironolactone
c. Chlorothiazide
d. Chlorthalidone

Answer 1

Spironolactone is the potassium-sparing diuretic that conserves potassium while treating hypertension, differentiating it from other diuretics that may increase potassium excretion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse caring for a client with hypertension should recognize that spironolactone is the medication that conserves potassium. Unlike other diuretics like furosemide, chlorothiazide, and chlorthalidone, which are typically prescribed to treat hypertension and work by inhibiting the reabsorption of Na+ and Cl- in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle thus leading to increased urination and potential loss of potassium, spironolactone functions differently. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that inhibits the action of aldosterone in the distal tubules of the nephron. Since aldosterone promotes the excretion of potassium and the reabsorption of sodium, spironolactone's action conserves potassium while still allowing the excretion of sodium and water, which helps to lower blood pressure.