A physician orders spironolactone, 50 mg by mouth four times daily, for a client with fluid retention caused by cirrhosis. which finding indicates that the drug is producing a therapeutic effect?

If the choices are:

a. Loss of 2.2 lb (1 kg) in 24 hours

b. Serum sodium level of 135 mEq/L

c. Serum potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L

d. Blood pH of 7.25

The answer is letter A.

Because the d aily weight measurement is the most accurate indicator of fluid status; a loss of 2.2 lb (1 kg) indicates loss of 1 L of fluid. A blood pH of 7.25 indicates acidosis, an adverse reaction to spironolactone.