A client taking fludrocortisone should be monitored for which statement as a potential side effect requiring action?

A client taking fludrocortisone should be monitored for which statement as a potential side effect requiring action?

• A. Report new onset headache.
• B. Increase salt intake.
• C. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
• D. Stop the medication if thirsty.

Answer: (A)

Fludrocortisone acts like aldosterone, promoting sodium and water retention and increasing the risk of fluid overload and hypertension. A new onset headache can signal rising blood pressure due to this fluid retention, so reporting it allows the clinician to check blood pressure, assess fluid status, and adjust the dose or treatment plan as needed. Increasing salt intake would worsen edema and hypertension, taking the medication on an empty stomach isn’t required, and thirst isn’t a standard trigger to stop the drug. So the appearance of a new headache is the key symptom that requires action.

Fludrocortisone acts like aldosterone, promoting sodium and water retention and increasing the risk of fluid overload and hypertension. A new onset headache can signal rising blood pressure due to this fluid retention, so reporting it allows the clinician to check blood pressure, assess fluid status, and adjust the dose or treatment plan as needed. Increasing salt intake would worsen edema and hypertension, taking the medication on an empty stomach isn’t required, and thirst isn’t a standard trigger to stop the drug. So the appearance of a new headache is the key symptom that requires action.