Question

The nurse is administering spironolactone for a client diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and ascites. Which electrolyte should the nurse anticipate to be spared when giving this medication?

Sodium
Albumin
Potassium Correct Answer (Blank)
Phosphate

Answer 1

Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that inhibits the action of aldosterone, leading to increased excretion of sodium and water while retaining potassium, making it a critical electrolyte to monitor in patients receiving this medication for conditions like cirrhosis with ascites.

Step-by-step explanation:

The medication spironolactone, which is an aldosterone receptor antagonist, spares potassium levels when used to treat conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver with ascites. Spironolactone works by blocking the effects of the hormone aldosterone in the distal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts of the kidneys. Aldosterone normally promotes the reabsorption of sodium and the excretion of potassium in the urine. Spironolactone, however, inhibits this sodium reabsorption process, leading to increased sodium and water excretion while retaining potassium. As a result, spironolactone is classified as a potassium-sparing diuretic, contrasting with other diuretics, like loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide), which can lead to potassium loss.

When administering spironolactone to a client with cirrhosis and ascites, the nurse should anticipate that potassium is the electrolyte that is spared. This is due to the drug's action of antagonizing aldosterone and thus sparing potassium while promoting sodium excretion.