A client taking chlorthalidone develops confusion, nausea, and a sodium level of 119 mEq/L. Which action should the nurse take?

1 Give chlorthalidone with additional free water and repeat sodium at the next routine visit.
2 Continue chlorthalidone because confusion and nausea are expected early treatment effects.
3 Increase chlorthalidone to accelerate sodium and water excretion before reassessment.
4 Hold chlorthalidone and obtain urgent evaluation and electrolyte-directed treatment orders. ✓ Correct answer

Explanation

Severe symptomatic hyponatremia is a serious thiazide-like diuretic complication and requires holding the drug and urgent evaluation.

Next question on this topicA client is admitted to the emergency department after ingesting an unknown amount of acet…From this question bankL4-4. Pharmacology Safety TrainerKRW 18,000 · Free trial

In-depth explanation

Quick answer
Escalate symptomatic severe hyponatremia.

Why this is correct
Chlorthalidone can cause hyponatremia and other electrolyte abnormalities; confusion with sodium 119 mEq/L is not routine follow-up.

Easy analogy or mental picture
Think of medication safety as a control panel: identify the dangerous signal, change the correct control, and verify the response.

Memory hook
Cue, action, response, reassessment.

NCLEX decision rule
Choose the action that prevents the most immediate medication-related harm while preserving the continuing indication.

Why the other choices are wrong
Options that delay escalation, ignore a contraindication, or change therapy without authorization do not close the safety loop.

References

1DailyMed: HEMICLOR (chlorthalidone)Hyponatremia and other electrolyte abnormalities, renal function, and monitoring

Clinical scenario

Medication safety review
Verify the indication, current assessment, laboratory trend, timing, interactions, authorized action, and measurable follow-up.

Browse all questions No login required

Master the NCLEX-RN with MyMerci

Thousands of NCLEX-style questions with detailed rationale — in your language. Track your progress and study smarter.

Start for free

App Store Google Play

Read in another language: English 한국어 日本語繁體中文 Tiếng Việt

For study reference only. Always follow current clinical guidelines and your institution’s protocols.

성장을 멈추지 마세요

A client taking chlorthalidone develops confusion, nausea, and a sodium level of 119 mEq/L. Which action should the nurse take?

In-depth explanation

Clinical scenario

Master the NCLEX-RN with MyMerci