The client has been prescribed furosemide 40 mg IV to treat peripheral edema. Which method should the nurse use to best evaluate the client's response to this medication?

Choice A reason: This is the correct answer. Stool for occult blood is a diagnostic test that detects the presence of hidden blood in the feces. This can indicate bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, which is the most common cause of chronic iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is a condition where the body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the red blood cells.

Choice B reason: Vitamin B12 level is not the diagnostic test that is used to detect the most common cause of chronic iron deficiency anemia. Vitamin B12 level is a blood test that measures the amount of vitamin B12 in the body. Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that is essential for the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of the nervous system. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause pernicious anemia, a type of megaloblastic anemia where the red blood cells are large and immature.

Choice C reason: Schilling's test is not the diagnostic test that is used to detect the most common cause of chronic iron deficiency anemia. Schilling's test is a urine test that evaluates the absorption of vitamin B12 in the body. It involves giving the client an oral dose of radioactive vitamin B12 and an intramuscular injection of non-radioactive vitamin B12. The urine is then collected and measured for the amount of radioactive vitamin B12. Schilling's test can help diagnose pernicious anemia and other causes of vitamin B12 malabsorption.

Choice D reason: Bone marrow aspiration study is not the diagnostic test that is used to detect the most common cause of chronic iron deficiency anemia. Bone marrow aspiration study is a procedure that involves taking a sample of bone marrow from the hip or sternum and examining it under a microscope. Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside the bones that produces blood cells. Bone marrow aspiration study can help diagnose various blood disorders, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and aplastic anemia.

Choice A reason: The nurse would include the question of whether the client ever uses oxygen, as this can be related to erythema. Erythema is a condition where the skin becomes red and inflamed due to increased blood flow or irritation. ¹ One possible cause of erythema is oxygen toxicity, which is a condition where the lungs and tissues are damaged by exposure to high levels of oxygen. ² The nurse would ask the client if they ever use oxygen, especially at high concentrations or for long periods of time, as this can increase the risk of oxygen toxicity and erythema.

Choice B reason: The nurse would not include the question of how many pillows the client sleeps on, as this is not related to erythema. The number of pillows the client sleeps on may indicate the presence of other conditions, such as sleep apnea, acid reflux, or heart failure, but not erythema. ³ The nurse would ask the client about their sleeping habits and preferences, but not specifically about the number of pillows they use.

Choice C reason: The nurse would not include the question of whether the client feels rested after sleeping, as this is not related to erythema. The feeling of restfulness after sleeping may indicate the quality and quantity of sleep the client gets, which can affect their overall health and well-being, but not erythema. The nurse would ask the client about their sleep patterns and problems, but not specifically about their feeling of restfulness.

Choice D reason: The nurse would not include the question of how far the client can walk before feeling short of breath, as this is not related to erythema. The distance the client can walk before feeling short of breath may indicate the level of physical activity and fitness the client has, which can affect their cardiovascular and respiratory health, but not erythema. The nurse would ask the client about their exercise habits and limitations, but not specifically about their walking distance.