A physician orders spironolactone, 50 mg by mouth four times daily, for a client with fluid retention caused by cirrhosis. which finding indicates that the drug is producing a therapeutic effect?
If the choices are: a. Loss of 2.2 lb (1 kg) in 24 hours b. Serum sodium level of 135 mEq/L c. Serum potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L d. Blood pH of 7.25
The answer is letter A. Because the daily weight measurement is the most accurate indicator of fluid status; a loss of 2.2 lb (1 kg) indicates loss of 1 L of fluid. A blood pH of 7.25 indicates acidosis, an adverse reaction to spironolactone.
