A nurse is collecting data from a patient who has a newly placed colostomy.
Which of the following findings would indicate to the nurse that the patient has accepted their new altered body image?

Elevating the legs on pillows when in bed is not typically recommended for patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This position can actually decrease arterial blood flow to the legs and worsen symptoms.

Choice B rationale

Applying a heating pad for 15 minutes twice per day is not a standard recommendation for managing PAD. While heat can increase blood flow, it can also lead to burns in patients with decreased sensation due to PAD1.

Choice C rationale

Beginning an exercise program that includes walking is often recommended for patients with PAD. Regular physical activity can improve symptoms of claudication (pain caused by reduced blood flow) and increase overall cardiovascular health.

Choice D rationale

Wearing knee-high support hose during the day is not typically recommended for patients with PAD. Compression stockings are more often used in the management of venous rather than arterial conditions.

The nurse should clarify the prescription for Furosemide due to the client’s 2. Potassium level. The client’s potassium level is 3.2 mEq/L, which is below the normal range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. This could indicate hypokalemia, a condition that can cause weakness, fatigue, and heart rhythm problems. Therefore, it would be important for the nurse to clarify the prescription for potassium chloride, which is a medication used to treat or prevent low potassium levels. Please note that this is an assessment based on the information provided

Furosemide, also known as a loop diuretic, works by inhibiting the Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter in the ascending thick loop of Henle in the kidneys1. This part of the kidney is responsible for reabsorbing sodium, chloride, and potassium from the urine back into the body1.

When Furosemide inhibits this process, it leads to an increase in the amount of these electrolytes in the urine, which in turn leads to their decreased levels in the body1. This is why Furosemide can cause a decrease in potassium levels in the body, a condition known as hypokalemia23.

It’s important to note that while Furosemide helps in relieving the body of excess fluid, its use may lead to the depletion of certain electrolytes in the body, such as potassium3. Therefore, if you are taking Furosemide, your doctor may need to monitor your potassium levels or have you consume more potassium4.