A client is prescribed furosemide, a loop diuretic, for hypertension.
The nurse should instruct the client to monitor for which of the following signs of electrolyte imbalance (Select all that apply).
Muscle cramps.
Dry mouth.
Numbness and tingling.
Weakness and fatigue.
Tachycardia.
Correct Answer : A,C,D
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the kidneys to excrete more water and salt, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Electrolyte imbalance can cause muscle cramps, numbness and tingling, weakness and fatigue, and other symptoms.
Therefore, the client should monitor for these signs and report them to the doctor if they occur.
Choice B is wrong because dry mouth is not a sign of electrolyte imbalance, but rather a sign of dehydration.
Dehydration can also cause thirst, decreased urination, drowsiness, and confusion.
Choice E is wrong because tachycardia is not a sign of electrolyte imbalance, but rather a sign of hypovolemia (low blood volume) or hypotension (low blood pressure).
Furosemide can lower blood pressure by reducing fluid volume in the body.
Therefore, the client should also monitor their blood pressure and pulse regularly while taking furosemide.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is because intravenous potassium supplementation is indicated for patients with profound hypokalemia (plasma K+ <2.5 mmol/L) or cardiac arrhythmia. The rate of infusion should not exceed 10 mmol/hour to prevent complications such as hyperkalemia, cardiac arrhythmias, and phlebitis.
Choice A is wrong because monitoring urine output every 8 hours is not sufficient to prevent complications from intravenous potassium replacement therapy.
Urine output should be monitored more frequently (at least every 4 hours) to assess renal function and fluid balance.
Choice B is wrong because administering potassium via a bolus injection is dangerous and can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Potassium should never be given by intravenous push or intramuscular injection.
Choice D is wrong because encouraging the client to eat potassium-rich foods is not appropriate for patients receiving intravenous potassium replacement therapy.
Oral potassium supplementation is preferred for patients with mild to moderate hypokalemia (plasma K+ 2.5-3.5 mmol/L) who can eat and absorb oral potassium.
Potassium-rich foods include potatoes, legumes, juices, seafood, leafy greens, dairy, tomatoes and bananas.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Increased urine output is a sign of adequate hydration, as it means the kidneys are filtering waste and fluids from the body through the urine. The urine should be pale straw or lemonade colored, which indicates good hydration.
Choice B is wrong because decreased urine output is a sign of dehydration, as it means the kidneys are not working well and waste products are accumulating in the blood.
The urine may be dark and strong smelling, which indicates poor hydration.
Choice C is wrong because dry mucous membranes are a sign of dehydration, as they indicate a lack of fluid in the body tissues.
Choice D is wrong because hypertension is not a direct indicator of hydration status, although dehydration can cause low BP due to reduced blood volume.
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