A patient with fluid overload is prescribed furosemide (Lasix) 20 mg by mouth each day. What should the nurse include when teaching the patient about this medication? Select all that apply.
Expect urination to increase.
Expect to feel weak and dizzy.
Take the medication before going to sleep.
Report swelling of the face or hands.
Monitor body weight daily.
Correct Answer : A,D,E
A, D, and E.
Choice A rationale:
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes diuresis, causing an increase in urine output. It is essential for the patient to expect this effect and understand that it helps in reducing fluid overload.
Choice B rationale:
Feeling weak and dizzy is not an expected effect of furosemide. It is more commonly associated with dehydration or excessive fluid loss, which can occur if the medication causes too much diuresis.
Choice C rationale:
Taking furosemide before going to sleep is not recommended because it can lead to nighttime diuresis, disrupting sleep and potentially causing electrolyte imbalances.
Choice D rationale:
Swelling of the face or hands may indicate an adverse reaction to furosemide or an underlying medical issue. The nurse should instruct the patient to report any such symptoms promptly.
Choice E rationale:
Monitoring body weight daily is crucial for patients on diuretic therapy to assess fluid status and response to treatment. Rapid weight gain may indicate worsening fluid overload, while significant weight loss may indicate excessive diuresis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Hypocalcemia. Action to Take 1: Prepare to check a serum albumin level.
Rationale:
Hypocalcemia can be influenced by changes in serum albumin levels, as calcium may bind to albumin. Correcting calcium levels based on albumin can help determine the actual calcium status. Action to Take 2: Request a STAT ECG. Rationale: Hypocalcemia can lead to prolonged QT intervals on an electrocardiogram (ECG). A STAT ECG is necessary to assess cardiac function and detect any potential arrhythmias. Parameters to Monitor 1: Serum bicarbonate level. Rationale: Monitoring serum bicarbonate levels can help assess the client's acid-base balance and metabolic status. Abnormal bicarbonate levels may indicate metabolic disturbances. Parameters to Monitor 2: Intake and Output. Rationale: Monitoring intake and output is essential to evaluate the client's fluid balance and kidney function. Hypocalcemia can impact renal function, and assessing urine output is crucial.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Hypernatremia.
Choice A rationale:
Hypernatremia is the most likely condition the client is experiencing based on the laboratory result of Sodium 144 mEq/L, which is above the normal range of 136 to 145 mEq/L. Hypernatremia is an elevated sodium level in the blood and can cause various symptoms like extreme thirst, dry mucous membranes, and altered mental status.
Choice B rationale:
To address hypernatremia, the nurse should take two actions. Action 1: Prepare to check a serum albumin level. This is important as hypernatremia can be caused by a relative water deficit due to excess solutes, and measuring serum albumin helps assess the body's water balance. Action 2: Request a STAT ECG. Hypernatremia can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, so an ECG is essential to monitor the patient's heart rhythm. Parameters to Monitor: Parameter 1 - Serum bicarbonate level: Monitoring bicarbonate levels helps evaluate acid-base balance and assess the impact of hypernatremia on the body's buffering systems. Parameter 2 - Intake and Output: Monitoring the patient's fluid intake and output is crucial to ensure proper hydration and track response to treatment.
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