A patient with a tracheostomy has difficulty removing excessive, thick mucus from the respiratory tract. The nurse expects that which drug will be ordered to aid in the removal of mucus?

Choice A reason: Hypokalemia is a low level of potassium in the blood. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases the excretion of water and electrolytes, including potassium. Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness, cramps, arrhythmias, and digoxin toxicity.

Choice B reason: Hypoglycemia is a low level of glucose in the blood. Furosemide does not affect blood glucose levels or insulin secretion. Hypoglycemia may be caused by other factors such as diabetes medications, fasting, or alcohol intake.

Choice C reason: Weight gain is not an adverse effect of furosemide. Furosemide causes weight loss by reducing fluid retention and edema. Weight gain may be a sign of worsening heart failure or fluid overload.

Choice D reason: Increased blood pressure is not an adverse effect of furosemide. Furosemide lowers blood pressure by decreasing blood volume and cardiac preload. Increased blood pressure may be caused by other factors such as salt intake, stress, or kidney disease.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because alopecia is not a common or serious adverse effect of finasteride. However, the patient should be informed that finasteride may cause decreased hair growth or loss of hair in some cases.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because finasteride is not given by injection, but by oral route. The patient should take one tablet daily with or without food.

Choice C reason: This is correct because finasteride can cause birth defects in male fetuses if it is absorbed through the skin or ingested by pregnant women. The patient should wear gloves when handling the tablets and avoid contact with crushed or broken tablets.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because finasteride can be taken with or without food. However, the patient should take it at the same time each day and follow the provider's instructions.