Which finding indicates that spironolactone has the desired effect in a client receiving hydrochlorothiazide?

The desired effect of spironolactone, especially when used in conjunction with hydrochlorothiazide, is primarily related to its ability to conserve potassium while promoting diuresis. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that can lead to hypokalemia, or low potassium levels. By adding spironolactone, which is a potassium-sparing diuretic, the client is less likely to experience the potassium-wasting effect of hydrochlorothiazide.

A potassium level of 4.2 mEq/L falls within the normal range for serum potassium, which is typically between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L. This indicates that spironolactone is effectively counteracting the potassium loss caused by hydrochlorothiazide, achieving the desired outcome of maintaining normal potassium levels in the patient. This is essential for preventing complications such as arrhythmias that can occur with low potassium levels.

Other findings, while they might indicate different aspects of a patient’s status, do not specifically reflect the effectiveness of spironolactone in this context. For instance, blood glucose levels and sodium levels do not directly indicate potassium retention or loss, while a reduction in dizziness could be due to multiple factors unrelated