A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for furosemide, which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse monitor?

Rationale:

A. Polyuria: Polyuria is not a typical symptom of alcohol withdrawal. Although chronic alcohol use may affect renal function, withdrawal is more commonly associated with symptoms of autonomic hyperactivity rather than increased urine output.

B. Hypertension: Hypertension is a common manifestation of alcohol withdrawal due to autonomic nervous system overactivity. As the central nervous system adapts to the absence of alcohol, clients may experience elevated blood pressure, tremors, and agitation.

C. Constipation: Constipation is not expected during alcohol withdrawal. Clients are more likely to experience diarrhea or gastrointestinal upset due to nervous system stimulation and stress responses.

D. Bradycardia: Bradycardia is not characteristic of alcohol withdrawal. Instead, clients often present with tachycardia and other signs of heightened sympathetic activity due to the sudden absence of CNS depressant effects.

Rationale:
• Compartment syndrome: Casts can restrict swelling, increasing pressure within the compartment. Moderate toe edema and capillary refill slowing from brisk to 3 seconds are warning signs. Without prompt intervention, tissue perfusion may decline, leading to ischemia.

• Edema of toes: Progressive edema signals impaired venous return or rising intracompartmental pressure. It reflects worsening limb status under the cast. This change, with slowed refill, supports risk for compartment syndrome.

• Malunion: Malunion develops over weeks due to misalignment during healing. No imaging or prolonged healing time is reported. Acute symptoms like swelling and pain don’t indicate this long-term issue.

• Physeal damage: Growth plate injury would affect long-term limb development. The adolescent shows intact toe movement and normal limb function otherwise. No evidence of joint or bone disruption is presented.

• Inability to ambulate: The femur fracture and cast already restrict ambulation. Lack of walking is expected at this stage. It doesn't suggest any specific complication like infection or compartment syndrome.

• Infection: Fever is low-grade and expected post-injury or from opioids. No redness, drainage, or systemic illness is present. Pain is stable and localized, not escalating or spreading.

• Decreased dorsalis pedis pulse: Pulses are 2+, meaning circulation is present and adequate. Decreased or absent pulse would indicate severe compromise, but that is not seen here. It does not reflect early compartment syndrome.