Which of the following is an appropriate action when administering a diuretic to a resident?

When administering a diuretic to a resident, giving the medication early in the day and encouraging fluid intake is appropriate for several reasons. Diuretics are often referred to as "water pills" because they increase urine production, thereby necessitating a schedule that allows the resident convenient access to the bathroom. Administering the medication early minimizes the risk of disruption to the resident's sleep cycle due to frequent urination during the night.

Encouraging fluid intake is important as well, even though diuretics promote the excretion of water. Proper hydration helps maintain kidney function and electrolyte balance, both of which can be impacted by diuretic use. It is essential to monitor the resident’s overall fluid balance to avoid dehydration, which can lead to further complications.

In contrast, other actions such as protecting the resident from injury with an electric razor or checking the apical pulse and blood pressure, while relevant to various scenarios, do not directly address the specific needs and precautions associated with administering diuretics. For example, using an electric razor is a safety measure more related to preventing cuts and nicks during shaving than directly relevant to diuretic therapy. Similarly, checking vital signs may be important in some contexts, but it is not specifically tied to the