A nurse is caring for a client who has experienced a stroke and is moving in with their adult child.

Which of the following actions should the nurse encourage the client and family to take as they adjust to their new roles?

The correct answer is choice C. Perform a sterile dressing change for a client who has an abdominal wound. This is because a licensed practical nurse (LPN) can perform tasks that require technical skills and have predictable outcomes, such as dressing changes. A sterile dressing change is also within the scope of practice of an LPN.

Choice A is wrong because complete discharge teaching for a client who has a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus requires assessment, evaluation and critical thinking, which are beyond the scope of practice of an LPN. Discharge teaching is the responsibility of a registered nurse (RN) who can provide education and counseling to clients and families.

Choice B is wrong because completing the Glasgow Coma Scale for a client who has an evolving stroke requires assessment and interpretation of neurological status, which are complex and unpredictable tasks that only an RN can perform. The Glasgow Coma Scale is a tool that measures the level of consciousness of a client based on eye opening, verbal response and motor response. A client who has an evolving stroke may have changes in their neurological status that require frequent monitoring and intervention by an RN.

Choice D is wrong because performing an admission assessment for a client who is scheduled for surgery requires comprehensive data collection, analysis and synthesis, which are advanced skills that only an RN can perform. An admission assessment involves obtaining a complete health history, performing a physical examination, identifying client needs and problems, and developing a plan of care.

A client who is scheduled for surgery may have complex and unpredictable needs that require specialized knowledge and judgment by an RN.

The correct answer is A.

Weight loss.

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that is used to treat fluid volume excess by increasing the excretion of water and electrolytes through the kidneys. Weight loss is an indication that the medication has been effective in reducing the excess fluid in the body.

Choice B is wrong because decreased inflammation is not a direct effect of furosemide.

Inflammation is a response to tissue injury or infection, and furosemide does not have any anti-inflammatory properties.

Choice C is wrong because increased blood pressure is not an indication of furosemide effectiveness.

Furosemide lowers blood pressure by reducing the preload and afterload on the heart.

Increased blood pressure may indicate that the dose of furosemide is insufficient or that there are other factors contributing to hypertension.

Choice D is wrong because decreased pain is not an expected outcome of furosemide therapy.

Furosemide does not have any analgesic effects, and pain may be caused by various conditions that are not related to fluid volume excess.

Normal ranges for weight, blood pressure and pain vary depending on the individual patient’s baseline and goals.

However, some general guidelines are:

• Weight: A weight loss of 0.5 to 1 kg per day is considered safe and effective for patients with fluid volume excess.
• Blood pressure: The target blood pressure for most patients with heart failure is less than 130/80 mmHg.
• Pain: The pain level should be assessed using a valid and reliable scale, such as the numeric rating scale or the visual analogue scale, and treated according to the patient’s preference and tolerance.