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) Monitor the client for seizure activity: While diazepam is an anticonvulsant medication and may be used to prevent or treat seizures, it is unlikely to cause seizure activity as an adverse reaction when administered for moderate sedation. However, if the client has a history of seizures or is at risk for seizures, monitoring for seizure activity is essential. In the context of moderate sedation, the primary concern is related to the sedative effects of diazepam rather than seizure activity.
B) Check the client's urinary output: Monitoring urinary out’ut is important for assessing renal function and fluid balance, but it is not directly related to assessing adverse reactions to diazepam. Adverse reactions to diazepam typically involve central nervous system depression, respiratory depression, or cardiovascular effects. Monitoring urinary output may be part of routine nursing care but is not specific to assessing adverse reactions to diazepam.
C) Monitor the client's oxygen saturation: This is the correct’action. Monitoring the client's oxygen saturation is essential for det’cting adverse reactions to diazepam, such as respiratory depression or hypoventilation. Diazepam can cause respiratory depression, especially when administered in higher doses or in combination with other sedative medications. Monitoring oxygen saturation allows the nurse to detect any signs of hypoxemia early and intervene promptly to ensure adequate oxygenation.
D) Auscultate the client's bowel sounds: While assessing bowel so’nds is important for evaluating gastrointestinal function, it is not directly related to assessing adverse reactions to diazepam. Adverse reactions to diazepam typically involve effects on the central nervous system and respiratory system rather than gastrointestinal function. Monitoring bowel sounds may be part of routine nursing assessment but is not specific to assessing adverse reactions to diazepam.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Elevate the extremity: This action helps reduce swelling and minimizes the spread of infiltrated fluid into surrounding tissues by using gravity to assist in draining the excess fluid back into the bloodstream. Elevating the affected limb above the level of the heart promotes venous return and can help prevent further tissue damage.
B) Flush the IV catheter: Flushing the IV catheter could exacerbate infiltration by pushing more fluid into the surrounding tissue. It is not the appropriate action for managing infiltration and could worsen the client's condition.
C) Slow the infusion rate: Slowing the infusion rate is a reasonable action to reduce the flow of fluid into the tissues and minimize further infiltration. However, it may not be sufficient to manage existing infiltration effectively or prevent tissue damage.
D) Apply pressure to the IV site: Applying pressure to the IV site is not recommended for managing infiltration. It could cause further tissue damage and discomfort for the client and is not considered a standard practice in managing this complication.
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