A male client with renal disease taking triamterene and potassium supplements is at risk for which condition?

The individual in this scenario is at risk for hyperkalemia primarily due to the use of triamterene, which is a potassium-sparing diuretic. This type of diuretic works by inhibiting the exchange of sodium for potassium in the distal renal tubules, which results in the retention of potassium rather than its excretion. When combined with potassium supplements, there is an increased likelihood that potassium levels in the body will rise, potentially leading to hyperkalemia.

Patients with renal disease are already at a higher risk for electrolyte imbalances because their kidneys may not be functioning adequately to excrete potassium. Therefore, the combination of renal impairment, triamterene therapy, and potassium supplementation significantly heightens the risk of developing elevated serum potassium levels, which can have serious cardiovascular consequences.

In this context, while conditions like hypokalemia, hyponatremia, and dehydration are also important to consider in diuretic therapy, they are less likely to occur with triamterene—especially when potassium supplements are being taken. Hypokalemia would be expected in situations involving other types of diuretics (like thiazides or loop diuretics) that promote potassium loss. Thus, the correct identification of hyperkalemia indicates