In the context of a patient undergoing IV furosemide (Lasix) treatment for hypertension, which observation is most crucial to communicate to the healthcare provider?
Serum potassium level is 3.0 mEq/L.
The current blood pressure reading is 168/94 mm Hg.
Blood glucose level is at 175 mg/dL.
There’s an orthostatic systolic BP decrease of 12 mm Hg.
The Correct Answer is A
Furosemide (Lasix) is a diuretic medication used to treat hypertension and edema. One of the side effects of furosemide is hypokalemia, or low potassium levels. A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is lower than the normal range (3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L), which can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias.
Therefore, this observation is crucial to communicate to the healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Orthostatic hypotension, a form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down, would not typically cause severe chest pain or result in elevated levels of cardiac troponins I and T6.
Choice B rationale
Raynaud’s disease, a condition that causes some areas of your body — such as your fingers and toes — to feel numb and cold in response to cold temperatures or stress, would not typically cause severe chest pain or result in elevated levels of cardiac troponins I and T6.
Choice C rationale
Angina, a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, could cause severe chest pain, but it would not typically result in elevated levels of cardiac troponins I and T6. Elevated troponin levels are more indicative of damage to the heart muscle, which is not characteristic of angina.
Choice D rationale
A myocardial infarction (MI), also known as a heart attack, could cause severe chest pain and would typically result in elevated levels of cardiac troponins I and T7. Troponins are proteins found in the heart muscle, and levels can rise in the blood when there is damage to the heart, such as during an MI.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Cracked lips are a symptom of Kawasaki disease, but they are more commonly associated with the subacute phase of the disease, not the acute phase.
Choice B rationale
Conjunctival hyperemia, or redness of the whites of the eyes, is a common symptom in the acute phase of Kawasaki disease. It typically presents as bilateral, non-exudative conjunctival injection, primarily in the bulbar conjunctivae.
Choice C rationale
A normal appearance is not typically seen in the acute phase of Kawasaki disease, which is characterized by a high fever and at least four of the five main symptoms, including conjunctival hyperemia.
Choice D rationale
Desquamation of the skin, or peeling, is a symptom of Kawasaki disease, but it typically occurs in the subacute phase, not the acute phase.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.