A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure and is taking furosemide. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing fluid volume deficit?
Distended neck veins
Elevated hematocrit level
Shortness of breath
Weight gain
The Correct Answer is B
A) Distended neck veins: Distended neck veins are typically associated with fluid volume excess rather than deficit. In heart failure, venous congestion can cause jugular venous distention, indicating fluid volume overload rather than deficit. Therefore, this finding would not suggest fluid volume deficit in a client with heart failure receiving furosemide.
B) Elevated hematocrit level: Fluid volume deficit, also known as dehydration or hypovolemia, is characterized by a loss of both water and electrolytes from the body, leading to a relative increase in the concentration of red blood cells and other blood components. This increase in concentration results in an elevated hematocrit level, which is a common laboratory finding in clients with fluid volume deficit. Furosemide, a loop diuretic, is commonly used to manage fluid overload in clients with heart failure by promoting diuresis and reducing excess fluid retention. However, excessive diuresis with furosemide can lead to fluid volume deficit if not adequately monitored and managed.
C) Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath is a common symptom of heart failure, particularly when fluid accumulates in the lungs (pulmonary edema) due to fluid volume overload. While shortness of breath may be present in both fluid volume deficit and excess, it is more commonly associated with fluid volume overload in clients with heart failure.
D) Weight gain: Weight gain is indicative of fluid volume excess rather than deficit. In heart failure, weight gain often occurs due to fluid retention, reflecting an increase in total body water and extracellular fluid volume. Monitoring weight is essential in managing heart failure and assessing fluid status, but weight gain would not suggest fluid volume deficit in a client receiving furosemide for heart failure management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Blood pressure: While monitoring blood pressure is important, assessing breath sounds takes priority after administering naloxone. Opioid toxicity can lead to respiratory depression, so ensuring adequate ventilation is crucial. Assessing breath sounds helps determine if the client's airway is clear and if ventilation has improved after naloxone administration.
B) Pain level: Pain assessment is important, but it is not the priority after administering naloxone for opioid toxicity. Respiratory status takes precedence due to the risk of respiratory depression associated with opioid overdose.
C) Breath sounds: This is the correct intervention. Naloxone reverses the effects of opioids, including respiratory depression. Assessing breath sounds allows the nurse to evaluate the client's respiratory status and determine the effectiveness of naloxone in improving ventilation.
D) Heart rate: Monitoring heart rate is important, but it is not the priority immediately after administering naloxone. Respiratory assessment takes precedence due to the risk of respiratory depression associated with opioid overdose.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B) Melena: Melena refers to black, tarry stools and is indicative of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, thereby prolonging the time it takes for blood to clot. While anticoagulation is intended to prevent thrombosis, it also increases the risk of bleeding, including gastrointestinal bleeding. Melena is a concerning sign of significant bleeding and requires prompt medical attention. The nurse should prioritize reporting melena to the provider to facilitate further evaluation and management, which may include adjusting the warfarin dosage or investigating the underlying cause of the bleeding.
A) Hair loss: Hair loss, or alopecia, is a known side effect of warfarin but is generally not considered a priority finding compared to signs of active bleeding. While hair loss can be distressing for clients, it is typically not life-threatening and may resolve spontaneously or with discontinuation of the medication.
C) Abdominal cramping: Abdominal cramping can occur for various reasons, including gastrointestinal upset or other gastrointestinal issues, but it is not typically associated with warfarin use. While the nurse should assess and address the client's abdominal cramping, it is not as urgent as reporting signs of active bleeding such as melena.
D) Fever: Fever may indicate the presence of an infection or inflammatory process but is not directly related to warfarin therapy. However, if the fever is accompanied by signs of bleeding or other concerning symptoms, it should be reported to the provider for further evaluation. Nonetheless, in the absence of other significant symptoms, fever alone may not be as urgent as reporting melena, which suggests active bleeding.
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