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.

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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.

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

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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

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