To prevent an electrolyte imbalance with HydroDIURIL, which dietary modification should be taught?

To prevent an electrolyte imbalance with HydroDIURIL, which dietary modification should be taught?

• A. Increase potassium-containing foods.
• B. Decrease sodium-containing foods.
• C. Increase sodium-containing foods.
• D. Decrease potassium-containing foods.

Answer: (D)

HydroDIURIL (hydrochlorothiazide) is a thiazide diuretic that increases potassium loss in the kidneys, which can lead to hypokalemia. To prevent this electrolyte imbalance, you'd teach the patient to eat more potassium-rich foods. This helps maintain normal potassium levels and reduces risk of symptoms like muscle cramps, fatigue, or abnormal heart rhythms. Include foods such as bananas, oranges, potatoes with skin, leafy greens, beans, and yogurt. Avoid reducing potassium intake, which would worsen hypokalemia. While managing sodium is important for blood pressure, it doesn’t address the potassium loss caused by the diuretic. If using salt substitutes or other supplements, do so only under a clinician’s guidance.

HydroDIURIL (hydrochlorothiazide) is a thiazide diuretic that increases potassium loss in the kidneys, which can lead to hypokalemia. To prevent this electrolyte imbalance, you'd teach the patient to eat more potassium-rich foods. This helps maintain normal potassium levels and reduces risk of symptoms like muscle cramps, fatigue, or abnormal heart rhythms. Include foods such as bananas, oranges, potatoes with skin, leafy greens, beans, and yogurt. Avoid reducing potassium intake, which would worsen hypokalemia. While managing sodium is important for blood pressure, it doesn’t address the potassium loss caused by the diuretic. If using salt substitutes or other supplements, do so only under a clinician’s guidance.