Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. A nurse prepares to administer spironolactone (Aldactone) to an infant with congenital heart disease. The nurse understands that the main purpose of this medication is to:
Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. A nurse prepares to administer spironolactone (Aldactone) to an infant with congenital heart disease. The nurse understands that the main purpose of this medication is to:
. Preserve the patent ductus arteriosus.
. Cause vasodilation of the blood vessels.
. Prevent the secretion of potassium.
. Block aldosterone, which leads to diuresis.
Test-Taking Tip
When unsure about medications and their actions, it is sometimes helpful to examine the root of the medication name. Spironolactone (Aldactone) begins with "A-L-D" as does the hormone aldosterone. The mechanism of action of spironolactone (Aldactone) is to inhibit aldosterone, thereby preventing water and sodium retention.
Content Area: Child Health, Cardiovascular; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Analysis; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies/Expected Effects/Outcomes
Health Promotion and Maintenance
.
Answer 1 is incorrect since spironolactone (Aldactone) does not affect the ductus arteriosus. Answer 2 is incorrect since spironolactone (Aldactone) does not cause vasodilation. Answer 3 is incorrect because, although spironolactone (Aldactone) is a potassium-sparing diuretic, the main purpose of the medication is to remove excess fluid through diuresis. Answer 4 is correct because spironolactone (Aldactone) is a diuretic that blocks aldosterone. Use of this medication is common among children with congenital heart disease for the prevention and treatment of congestive heart failure.