A nurse is modifying the diet of a client who is prescribed an MAOI. Which of the following foods should the nurse eliminate?

Choice A reason:

Regular insulin combined with dextrose can be used to lower high potassium levels, serving as an antidote for hyperkalemia. This combination helps drive potassium back into the cells, reducing serum potassium levels.

Choice B reason:

Never pushing IV KCL is critical because it can cause fatal arrhythmias. Potassium chloride must be administered as an infusion over time to safely deliver the necessary potassium without causing cardiac complications.

Choice C reason:

Infusion of KCL can cause burning, extravasation, and infiltration at the infusion site. This is because potassium chloride is an irritant to veins, so the site should be monitored closely during administration.

Choice D reason:

IV push boluses of KCL are dangerous and contraindicated due to the high risk of causing life-threatening arrhythmias. KCL should always be infused slowly to mitigate this risk.

Choice E reason:

There is no specific requirement that KCL must be given with the patient supine. This position does not affect the administration or safety of potassium chloride infusion.

Choice A reason:

Expecting some swelling in the hands and feet is incorrect because furosemide is a diuretic that helps reduce fluid accumulation in the body. Instead of causing swelling, it helps alleviate it. Swelling would not be an expected outcome of taking furosemide and suggesting this would contradict the intended purpose of the medication.

Choice B reason:

Taking the medication at bedtime is generally not recommended for diuretics like furosemide because it can lead to nocturia, which is frequent urination during the night, disrupting sleep. Furosemide is usually taken in the morning to avoid this inconvenience and ensure the diuretic effect occurs during waking hours.

Choice C reason:

Eating foods that contain plenty of potassium is crucial for clients taking furosemide because it can cause significant loss of potassium, a vital electrolyte, through increased urination. Low potassium levels can lead to hypokalemia, which can cause muscle weakness, cramping, and heart rhythm disturbances. Therefore, consuming potassium-rich foods like bananas, oranges, and spinach is essential to maintain electrolyte balance.

Choice D reason:

Taking aspirin if headaches develop is not a standard instruction for clients taking furosemide. While managing headaches may be important, it is not directly related to the use of furosemide. Additionally, without medical advice, taking aspirin could pose risks, especially in patients who may have other underlying conditions or take other medications that interact with aspirin.