A nurse is caring for a client with congestive heart failure. Which assessment finding may indicate a potential precipitating factor for the client's condition?

A) This choice is incorrect because bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not a common adverse effect of furosemide, a loop diuretic.

B) This choice is incorrect because hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) is not a common adverse effect of furosemide. In fact, furosemide can sometimes cause transient hypoglycemia.

C) This choice is correct. Hypotension (low blood pressure) is a potential adverse effect of furosemide due to its diuretic action. Furosemide causes the excretion of excess fluid, leading to a decrease in blood volume, which can result in hypotension.

D) This choice is incorrect because a dry, nonproductive cough is associated with ACE inhibitors, not furosemide.

A) This choice is incorrect because serum electrolyte levels are not directly measured during an echocardiogram. They are typically assessed through a blood test and are not specific to evaluating heart function using ultrasound.

B) This choice is incorrect because blood pressure readings are not directly measured during an echocardiogram. Blood pressure is typically assessed using a sphygmomanometer and is not specific to evaluating heart function using ultrasound.

C) This choice is incorrect because oxygen saturation levels are not directly measured during an echocardiogram. Oxygen saturation is typically assessed using a pulse oximeter and is not specific to evaluating heart function using ultrasound.

D) This choice is correct. Ejection fraction (EF) is a parameter measured during an echocardiogram to assess the client's heart function. It represents the percentage of blood pumped out of the heart's left ventricle with each heartbeat and is an essential indicator of heart muscle efficiency and potential heart failure.

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