A client who is taking furosemide reports experiencing leg cramps, a cough, feeling tired, and palpitations. Which action should the nurse take first?
Apply warm compresses to legs.
Monitor intake and output.
Raise the head of the bed.
Place on cardiac monitoring.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Apply warm compresses to legs:
While leg cramps can be uncomfortable, addressing them with warm compresses does not address the potential underlying issues related to the client's symptoms, especially considering the possibility of more severe conditions.
B. Monitor intake and output:
Monitoring intake and output is important in managing fluid balance, especially with diuretics like furosemide. However, this action does not directly address the immediate concerns raised by symptoms like palpitations and a cough.
C. Raise the head of the bed:
Raising the head of the bed can be helpful if the client is experiencing shortness of breath or orthopnea. However, it does not address the need to evaluate cardiac function, which is crucial given the presence of palpitations and other symptoms.
D. Place on cardiac monitoring:
The client's symptoms—palpitations, cough, fatigue—could indicate significant electrolyte imbalances or cardiac issues, which are common with furosemide use. Cardiac monitoring is the most appropriate initial action to quickly identify and address any cardiac complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Digoxin level of 1.1 ng/mL (1.4 nmol/L):
A digoxin level of 1.1 ng/mL is within the therapeutic range (0.8 to 2.0 ng/mL). While it is important to monitor digoxin levels, this value does not indicate an immediate concern.
B. Creatinine level of 0.8 mg/dL (70.72 μmol/L):
A creatinine level of 0.8 mg/dL is within the normal range (0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL) and does not indicate any renal impairment or immediate issue.
C. Potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L (3.2 mmol/L):
A potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L is below the normal range (3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L). Hypokalemia can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity and arrhythmias, making this an urgent issue that should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately.
D. Sodium level of 135 mEq/L (135 mmol/L):
A sodium level of 135 mEq/L is slightly below the normal range (136 to 145 mEq/L), but it is not as critical as a significantly abnormal potassium level in the context of digoxin use. While it should be monitored, it is less urgent compared to the potassium level.
Correct Answer is ["4"]
Explanation
Calculations:
Desired dose: 1.2 million units
Available dose: 600,000 units/2 mL
To find the volume to administer, we can use the following formula:
Volume to administer = (Desired dose / Available dose) * Volume per dose
Volume to administer = (1,200,000 units / 600,000 units/mL) * 2 mL = 4 mL
Therefore, the nurse should administer 4 mL of the penicillin solution.
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