A patient has developed pitting edema in her lower legs and feet.
The nurse is knowledgeable about this condition. After the patient’s physician prescribes furosemide and the patient begins this new medication, what should the nurse anticipate?

Choice A rationale:
Impaired cognitive and motor function:
Anesthesia and analgesic medications used during surgery can significantly impair cognitive and motor skills, even if the patient feels alert and capable. These effects can last for several hours or even days after the procedure, making it unsafe for the patient to drive.
Studies have shown that reaction time, judgment, coordination, and visual acuity can be significantly impaired following surgery, even in patients who report feeling normal.
Driving under the influence of these medications poses a serious risk of accidents and injuries, both to the patient and other road users.
Risk of postoperative complications:
Postoperative complications, such as bleeding, nausea, vomiting, pain, or dizziness, can occur unexpectedly and may require immediate attention.
Driving while experiencing these complications can be extremely dangerous and could delay necessary medical intervention.

It's crucial for the patient to have a responsible adult present to monitor their condition and seek medical assistance if needed. Legal and liability considerations:
Many healthcare facilities have strict policies prohibiting patients from driving after surgery due to liability concerns.
If a patient were to be involved in an accident while driving after surgery, the facility could be held liable for not ensuring the patient's safety and preventing them from driving.
Choice B rationale:
Inadequate guidance: Simply stating that no specific information is necessary fails to address the potential risks associated with driving after surgery.
Patient safety: It's the nurse's responsibility to provide clear and comprehensive discharge instructions that prioritize patient safety.
Omission of crucial information: Omitting information about transportation could lead to misunderstandings and potentially unsafe actions by the patient.
Choice C rationale:
Unreliable self-assessment: Relying on the patient's self-assessment of dizziness is not a reliable method to determine their fitness to drive.
Residual effects of medication: Patients may not fully perceive the subtle effects of anesthesia and medications on their cognitive and motor skills.
Potential for delayed impairment: Symptoms such as dizziness or drowsiness could manifest later, even if the patient initially feels well.
Choice D rationale:
Age not a sole determinant: While age can be a factor in driving ability, it's not the sole determinant of fitness to drive after surgery.
Individual differences: Patients of any age can experience cognitive and motor impairment following surgery.
Oversimplification of risks: This choice inaccurately suggests that only individuals under 25 are at risk, potentially leading to unsafe decisions by older patients.

Choice A rationale:

Episodic urinary incompetence is not a recognized medical term. It's important to use accurate terminology in healthcare to ensure effective communication and understanding.
Choice B rationale:
Episodic normal micturition refers to occasional instances of normal urination. It does not describe the involuntary leakage of urine that occurs with sneezing.
Choice C rationale:
Episodic uncontrolled anuria refers to a temporary absence of urine production. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention, as it can lead to kidney failure. It is not consistent with the client's report of involuntary urine leakage upon sneezing.
Choice D rationale:
Episodic urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine that occurs at specific times or events, such as sneezing, coughing, laughing, or exercising. This is the most accurate description of the client's symptoms.
Key points about episodic urinary incontinence:
It is a common condition, affecting millions of people worldwide.
It can be caused by a variety of factors, including weakened pelvic floor muscles, overactive bladder, urinary tract infections, and neurological conditions.
It can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, causing embarrassment, social isolation, and anxiety. There are a number of treatment options available, including behavioral therapies, medications, and surgery.