A client has just returned home after a total hip arthroplasty. What should the home health nurse include in their teaching?

The nurse should clarify the prescription for Furosemide due to the client’s 2. Potassium level. The client’s potassium level is 3.2 mEq/L, which is below the normal range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. This could indicate hypokalemia, a condition that can cause weakness, fatigue, and heart rhythm problems. Therefore, it would be important for the nurse to clarify the prescription for potassium chloride, which is a medication used to treat or prevent low potassium levels. Please note that this is an assessment based on the information provided

Furosemide, also known as a loop diuretic, works by inhibiting the Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter in the ascending thick loop of Henle in the kidneys1. This part of the kidney is responsible for reabsorbing sodium, chloride, and potassium from the urine back into the body1.

When Furosemide inhibits this process, it leads to an increase in the amount of these electrolytes in the urine, which in turn leads to their decreased levels in the body1. This is why Furosemide can cause a decrease in potassium levels in the body, a condition known as hypokalemia23.

It’s important to note that while Furosemide helps in relieving the body of excess fluid, its use may lead to the depletion of certain electrolytes in the body, such as potassium3. Therefore, if you are taking Furosemide, your doctor may need to monitor your potassium levels or have you consume more potassium4.

Choice A rationale

While an antiemetic might help with the vomiting, it would not address the underlying issue of not having a bowel movement for 4 days. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B rationale

If the client has a nasogastric tube, checking its position would be a good first step. If the tube is not in the correct position, it could be causing or contributing to the client’s symptoms.

Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice C rationale

Increasing the suction on a nasogastric tube might help if the tube is functioning correctly and the problem is related to stomach contents not being properly evacuated. However, it would not be the first step before checking the position of the tube. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D rationale

Repositioning the nasogastric tube might be necessary if it’s not in the correct position, but this would not be the first step before checking its position. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.