A nurse is caring for a client whose current bag of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) has finished infusing, and the next bag is not yet available. Which of the following fluids should the nurse prepare to administer?

A) Hypertension: Amiodarone is not typically associated with hypertension. Instead, it is more commonly associated with hypotension.

B) Bradypnea: Amiodarone is not typically associated with bradypnea. Instead, it is more commonly associated with pulmonary toxicity, which can manifest as cough, dyspnea, and pulmonary fibrosis.

C) Fever: While fever is a possible adverse effect of amiodarone, it is not one of the most commonly observed adverse effects. Other adverse effects, such as thyroid dysfunction, pulmonary toxicity, and hepatic toxicity, are more frequently reported.

D) Bradycardia: This is the correct answer. Amiodarone is known to cause bradycardia as an adverse effect. It has a negative chronotropic effect, meaning it can slow down the heart rate. Bradycardia is one of the most commonly observed adverse effects of amiodarone and can be significant, particularly in individuals with pre-existing sinus node dysfunction or conduction abnormalities.

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.