A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has heart failure and a prescription for a repeat dose of furosemide 40 mg orally.
Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

Choice A rationale:

Mixing insulin lispro and insulin glargine in the same syringe is not recommended. Insulin glargine has a different pH and mixing it with other insulins could affect its action.

Choice B rationale:

Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin that is typically given once a day. It provides a steady level of insulin over a 24-hour period.

Choice C rationale:

Shaking insulin vials is not recommended as it can lead to inaccurate dosing. Instead, insulin vials should be gently rolled between the hands to ensure proper mixing.

Choice D rationale:

Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin and should be taken right before a meal. This helps to control the blood glucose spike that occurs after eating.

Choice A rationale:

While reminding the client to change positions slowly is important to prevent orthostatic hypotension, it is not the priority before administering furosemide.

Choice B rationale:

Preparing the client’s medication is an important step, but it should be done after reviewing the client’s electrolyte levels.

Choice C rationale:

Recording the client’s urinary output is important when administering furosemide, a diuretic, but it is not the priority action.

Choice D rationale:

Reviewing the client’s electrolyte levels is crucial before administering furosemide because it can cause electrolyte imbalances, including low potassium levels, which can lead to serious cardiac complications.