A nurse prepares to monitor a client on a potassium-sparing diuretic. What lab values should the nurse prioritize?

Monitoring serum electrolytes and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is crucial for a client on a potassium-sparing diuretic. Potassium-sparing diuretics, such as spironolactone and eplerenone, work by inhibiting the effects of aldosterone in the distal convoluted tubule and collecting ducts of the nephron. One of their primary benefits is that they help retain potassium while promoting the excretion of sodium and water.

Due to this mode of action, monitoring serum electrolytes—particularly potassium levels—is vital, as these diuretics can lead to hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels). The balance of other electrolytes, such as sodium and magnesium, should also be monitored to ensure the overall stability of the patient's electrolyte levels. Additionally, BUN is important to assess renal function and hydration status, as the diuretic effect can influence these parameters.

Monitoring other lab values listed, such as cholesterol, triglycerides, hemoglobin, hematocrit, glucose, or general renal function tests, may be important in other contexts, but they do not specifically address the immediate concerns or risks associated with potassium-sparing diuretics. Therefore, prioritizing serum electrolytes and BUN allows the nurse