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.)
Measure body weight every day.
Expect urination to increase.
Take the medication before going to sleep.
Report swelling of the face or hands.
Expect to feel weak and dizzy.
Correct Answer : A,B,D,E
Choice A: Measure body weight every day is correct because body weight is an indicator of fluid balance and can help monitor the effectiveness of the medication. The nurse should instruct the patient to weigh themselves at the same time each day, preferably in the morning, and report any significant changes to the provider.
Choice B: Expect urination to increase is correct because furosemide is a diuretic that works by blocking the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidneys, thus increasing urine output and reducing fluid volume. The nurse should instruct the patient to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance and to avoid taking the medication at night to prevent nocturia and sleep disturbance.
Choice C: Taking the medication before going to sleep is incorrect because taking furosemide at night can cause nocturia and sleep disturbance, as well as increase the risk of falls. The nurse should instruct the patient to take the medication in the morning or early afternoon and to avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can also increase urination.
Choice D: Report swelling of the face or hands is correct because swelling of the face or hands can indicate an allergic reaction or angioedema, which are rare but serious side effects of furosemide. The nurse should instruct the patient to stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if they experience swelling of the face or hands, as well as difficulty breathing, hives, or itching.
Choice E: Expecting to feel weak and dizzy is correct because weakness and dizziness are common side effects of furosemide, especially when starting or increasing the dose. The nurse should instruct the patient to rise slowly from a sitting or lying position and to use caution when driving or performing other activities that require alertness. The nurse should also instruct the patient to report any signs of hypotension, such as fainting, blurred vision, or chest pain.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Intracellular fluid overload is incorrect because it is a condition where the fluid inside the cells exceeds the normal range. This can cause cellular swelling and dysfunction. Intracellular fluid overload can be caused by conditions such as hyponatremia, water intoxication, or syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH).
Choice B: Intracellular fluid deficit is incorrect because it is a condition where the fluid inside the cells is below the normal range. This can cause cellular shrinkage and dysfunction. Intracellular fluid deficit can be caused by conditions such as hypernatremia, dehydration, or diabetes insipidus.
Choice C: Extracellular fluid deficit is correct because it is a condition where the fluid outside the cells is below the normal range. This can cause hypovolemia, hypotension, and impaired tissue perfusion. Extracellular fluid deficit can be caused by conditions such as burns, hemorrhage, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive diuresis.
Choice D: Interstitial fluid deficit is incorrect because it is a condition where the fluid in the spaces between the cells is below the normal range. This can cause edema, impaired wound healing, and increased risk of infection. Interstitial fluid deficit can be caused by conditions such as inflammation, infection, or lymphatic obstruction.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Patient with venous stasis ulcer is not at increased risk for developing metabolic alkalosis because this condition does not affect the acid-base balance. Venous stasis ulcer is a chronic wound caused by poor blood flow in the veins of the lower extremities.
Choice B: Patient on dialysis is not at increased risk for developing metabolic alkalosis because dialysis helps to correct the acid-base imbalance. Dialysis is a treatment that removes waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are not functioning properly.
Choice C: Patient with bulimia is at increased risk for developing metabolic alkalosis because of frequent vomiting. Vomiting causes loss of gastric acid, which leads to increased bicarbonate levels and decreased hydrogen ions in the blood.
Choice D: Patient with COPD is not at increased risk for developing metabolic alkalosis, but rather respiratory acidosis. COPD is a chronic lung disease that causes difficulty breathing and impaired gas exchange. This results in accumulation of carbon dioxide and decreased pH in the blood.
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