As part of the treatment for congestive heart failure, the child takes the diuretic furosemide. As part of teaching home care, the nurse encourages the family to give the child foods such as bananas, oranges, and leafy vegetables. These foods are recommended because they are high in what electrolyte?
Potassium.
Sodium.
Chlorides.
Zinc.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. Potassium.
Choice A rationale:
Diuretics like furosemide are commonly used to treat congestive heart failure. They work by increasing the excretion of water and electrolytes, including potassium, from the body. Low levels of potassium (hypokalemia) can lead to various complications, including cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Since furosemide can cause potassium loss, it's important to ensure an adequate intake of potassium-rich foods. Bananas, oranges, and leafy vegetables are excellent sources of potassium. Therefore, the nurse encourages the family to include these foods in the child's diet to help maintain a healthy potassium balance.
Choice B rationale:
Sodium is an important electrolyte, but in the context of congestive heart failure and diuretic use, the focus is more on avoiding excessive sodium intake. Diuretics like furosemide aim to reduce fluid retention by increasing sodium excretion, so it's not necessary to recommend high-sodium foods. Moreover, excessive sodium intake could exacerbate fluid retention and worsen the heart failure.
Choice C rationale:
Chlorides are often found in table salt (sodium chloride) and are not typically emphasized in the context of heart failure treatment or diuretic use. While they play a role in maintaining electrolyte balance, they are not the primary focus in this scenario.
Choice D rationale:
Zinc is a mineral that is not directly related to the treatment of congestive heart failure or the use of diuretics. It is important for various cellular functions and immune system support, but it's not the electrolyte of concern in this situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. It has a harsh, barky cough.
Choice A rationale:
Spasmodic croup is characterized by sudden-onset symptoms, including a barking cough, but it is not typically associated with a high fever. The barky cough is caused by inflammation and narrowing of the upper airways, leading to a distinct sound when the child coughs.
Choice B rationale:
A harsh, barky cough is a hallmark symptom of spasmodic croup. It is caused by the swelling of the vocal cords and the upper airway, resulting in the characteristic sound. This type of croup is often triggered by viral infections and is usually not bacterial in nature.
Choice C rationale:
Spasmodic croup is usually of viral origin rather than bacterial. Bacterial infections may lead to other respiratory conditions, but they are not a distinguishing feature of spasmodic croup.
Choice D rationale:
Wheezing is not a typical manifestation of spasmodic croup. Wheezing is often associated with lower airway conditions such as asthma, while croup primarily affects the upper airways and vocal cords, leading to the barking cough.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hypoparathyroidism is not associated with exophthalmos. Hypoparathyroidism is a condition where the parathyroid glands produce insufficient parathyroid hormone, leading to low calcium levels in the blood. This condition doesn't directly affect the thyroid gland or cause exophthalmos.
Choice B rationale:
Exophthalmos, also known as protruding or bulging eyes, is a classic symptom of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. These elevated hormone levels can lead to a variety of symptoms, including increased metabolism, weight loss, nervousness, and protruding eyes due to inflammation of the eye muscles and tissues behind the eye.
Choice C rationale:
Hyperparathyroidism involves the overactivity of the parathyroid glands, leading to excessive production of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and elevated calcium levels in the blood. While elevated calcium levels can have various effects on the body, exophthalmos is not a typical manifestation of hyperparathyroidism. The condition is more commonly associated with bone and kidney issues.
Choice D rationale:
Hypothyroidism, the underproduction of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland, is not linked to exophthalmos. Instead, hypothyroidism is known for causing symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and slow heart rate. Exophthalmos is a characteristic sign of hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism.
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