Spironolactone

Spironolactone

Spironolactone, which has a generic name Aldactone is a drug commonly used to reduce or treat build-up of fluids in body cells due to heart failure or kidney disease. The drug belongs to a group of drugs known as aldosterone blockers or potassium-sparing diuretics. The drug has many off label applications due to its anti-androgenic activity. For instance, it is used in the treatment of hirsutism, it is also used on female pattern hair loss, and in the treatment of adult acne vulgaris among the elderly population (Charny, Choi, & James, 2017). It is also used by transgender female patients to reduce male hair pattern growth, especially because it is available at a lower cost.

The effects of Spironolactone on a patient with heart failure can vary from one patient to another, and the side effects can be mild to adverse in relation to the patient’s condition. The drug can result in allergic reactions in which the patient may experience shortness of breath or swelling in the throat. The first precaution was to ensure that my patient was not allergic to Spironolactone. I also monitored the patient closely for other symptoms such as confusion and foggy memory, poor judgment, and drowsiness, which are common side effects of the drug. I also monitored the potassium levels of the patient since too high levels can be fatal (Stubnova, Grundtvig, Atar, & Waldum-Grevbo, 2017). I also monitored my patient of adverse reactions such as fever, skin rash, shortness of breath, and fast heart rate, which require special attention and termination of the Spironolactone diagnosis procedure. Monitoring the blood pressure was also critical since Spironolactone blocks aldosterone’s effect and consequently lowers the patient’s blood pressure.

Since the drug is in the form of a tablet or suspension that is taken orally, I explained to the patient the importance of taking even doses to avoid cases of an overdose. Spironolactone has also been reported to interact with other drugs and vitamins in the diet, and I, therefore, asked the patient to use the drugs after their meals. I also ensured that the patient understood the time they should take between doses each day to achieve the maximum benefit of the drug. Since the drug increases one’s urge for urination, I advised the patient to take their medication before 5 pm to avoid making up in the middle the night to urinate. I also asked the patient to avoid high potassium foods and asked them to monitor for any adverse side effects and report to the hospital immediately..

Duffy, in his caring model, identifies that caring is not merely a mindset or any form of kindness but is an art that requires knowledge (Duffy, 2013). To induce a healing environment, I ensured I well understood what my patients loved and what they disliked. I ensured there were no stressors, such as noise or bright light in my patient’s room. I also ensured that I maintained high confidentiality of my patient’s information, which helped build a close relationship and consequently, a better healing environment.

References

Charny, J. W., Choi, J. K., & James, W. D. (2017). Spironolactone for the treatment of acne in women, a retrospective study of 110 patients. International journal of women’s dermatology, 3(2), 111-115.

Duffy, J. R. (2013). Quality caring in nursing. Applying Theory to Clinical Practice, Education, and Leadership, 2013

Stubnova, V., Os, I., Grundtvig, M., Atar, D., & Waldum-Grevbo, B. (2017). Spironolactone treatment and effect on survival in chronic heart failure patients with reduced renal function: a propensity-matched study. Cardiorenal Medicine, 7(2), 128-136.