A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is taking furosemide.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for the nurse to intervene?
“I’m urinating in larger amounts.”
“I have to sleep sitting up.”
“I suck on hard candy for my dry mouth.”
“I’ve lost 3 pounds in the last week.”
The Correct Answer is B
This statement indicates that the client has orthopnea, which is a sign of worsening heart failure and fluid overload. The nurse should intervene by assessing the client’s vital signs, oxygen saturation, lung sounds, and edema, and notifying the provider for possible diuretic adjustment.
Choice A is wrong because “I’m urinating in larger amounts.” is an expected outcome of taking furosemide, which is a loop diuretic that increases urine output and reduces fluid retention.
Choice C is wrong because “I suck on hard candy for my dry mouth.” is a harmless way to cope with the side effect of dry mouth caused by furosemide.
Choice D is wrong because “I’ve lost 3 pounds in the last week.” is a positive sign that the client is losing excess fluid and improving their heart failure
condition. A weight loss of 2 to 4 pounds per week is acceptable for clients taking diuretics.
Normal ranges for heart failure clients are:
- Blood pressure: less than 140/90 mmHg
- Heart rate: 60 to 100 beats per minute
- Respiratory rate: 12 to 20 breaths per minute
- Oxygen saturation: greater than 95%
- Weight: stable or decreasing within 2 to 4 pounds per week
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Ask the client to empty their bladder.
This is because a full bladder can interfere with the pelvic examination and cause discomfort to the client. The nurse should also instruct the client to avoid douching, using tampons, vaginal medications, sprays, powders, birth control foam, cream, or jelly for at least 24 hours before the exam.
Choice A is wrong because the client should be placed in a lithotomy position, not a prone position, for a pelvic examination.
Choice C is wrong because douching can alter the normal vaginal flora and pH, and increase the risk of infection.
Choice D is wrong because placing the client’s arms over their head can tighten the abdominal muscles and make the examination more difficult. The nurse should ask the client to place their arms at their sides or across their chest.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Justice is the ethical principle of treating the patient fairly and equally among staff when making assignments. The charge nurse is upholding this principle by ensuring that the workload is distributed evenly and that no staff member is overburdened or underutilized.
Choice A is wrong because Veracity is wrong because veracity is the ethical principle of telling the truth to the patient.
This principle is not relevant to the scenario of making assignments.
Choice C is wrong because Autonomy is wrong because autonomy is the ethical principle of respecting the patient’s right to make their own healthcare decisions.
This principle is not relevant to the scenario of making assignments.
Choice D is wrong because Fidelity is wrong because fidelity is the ethical principle of keeping promises to the patient.
This principle is not relevant to the scenario of making assignments.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today