The client has been prescribed furosemide (Lasix) for the treatment of edema. The nurse should monitor for which of the following adverse effects.
Hypertension.
Hypoglycemia.
Hyperkalemia.
Hypotension.
The Correct Answer is D

Furosemide is a diuretic that lowers blood pressure by increasing urine output and reducing fluid volume in the body.
One of the possible adverse effects of furosemide is hypotension, which is low blood pressure.
This can cause symptoms such as dizziness, faintness, confusion, or weakness.
The nurse should monitor the client’s blood pressure and report any signs of hypotension to the doctor.
Choice A is wrong because hypertension, which is high blood pressure, is not a common side effect of furosemide.
In fact, furosemide is used to treat hypertension in some cases.
Choice B is wrong because hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar, is not a common side effect of furosemide.
Furosemide does not affect blood sugar levels directly.
However, it may interact with some medications that lower blood sugar, such as insulin or oral antidiabetic drugs.
The nurse should check the client’s medication history and monitor their blood sugar levels if they are taking any of these drugs.
Choice C is wrong because hyperkalemia, which is high potassium levels in the blood, is not a common side effect of furosemide.
Furosemide belongs to a class of diuretics called loop diuretics, which lower potassium levels by increasing its excretion in the urine.
One of the possible adverse effects of furosemide is hypokalemia, which is low potassium levels in the blood.
This can cause symptoms such as muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat, or numbness.
The nurse should monitor the client’s potassium levels and advise them to eat foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, or potatoes.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg.
Normal ranges for blood sugar are 4.0 mmol/L to 7.8 mmol/L (72 mg/dL to 140 mg/dL).
Normal ranges for potassium are 3.5 mmol/L to 5.0 mmol/L (3.5 mEq/L to 5.0 mEq/L).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is the only solution that is isotonic and compatible with blood products. It will not cause hemolysis or clotting of the blood cells.
Choice B is wrong because lactated Ringer’s is a balanced electrolyte solution that contains calcium, which can cause clotting of the blood cells.
Choice C is wrong because 5% dextrose is a hypotonic solution that can cause hemolysis of the blood cells.
Choice D is wrong because 5% dextrose in 0.45% sodium chloride is a hypertonic solution that can cause hemolysis of the blood cells.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Monitoring the client’s electrolyte levels before and after the treatment. This is because acute kidney injury (AKI) can cause electrolyte imbalances such as hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and metabolic acidosis. Hemodialysis can help correct these imbalances by removing excess fluid and waste products from the blood. However, hemodialysis can also cause electrolyte shifts and complications such as hypotension, muscle cramps, and arrhythmias. Therefore, it is important to monitor the client’s electrolyte levels before and after the treatment to assess the effectiveness and safety of hemodialysis.
Choice A is wrong because monitoring the client’s blood pressure every 4 hours is not frequent enough during hemodialysis.
Hemodialysis can cause rapid changes in blood pressure due to fluid removal and vascular access.
Therefore, blood pressure should be monitored more often, such as every 15 to 30 minutes during hemodialysis.
Choice B is wrong because administering a loop diuretic before the treatment is not indicated for AKI patients receiving hemodialysis.
Loop diuretics are used to increase urine output and reduce fluid overload in AKI patients who have some residual kidney function.
However, hemodialysis can achieve the same goal by removing excess fluid from the blood.
Moreover, loop diuretics can cause electrolyte depletion and ototoxicity, which can worsen the condition of AKI patients.
Choice C is wrong because assessing the client’s respiratory status every 2 hours is not specific enough for hemodialysis treatment.
Hemodialysis can affect respiratory mechanics by altering fluid balance, acid- base status, and oxygen delivery.
Therefore, respiratory status should be assessed more frequently and comprehensively during hemodialysis, such as by measuring respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, arterial blood gas, and chest auscultation.
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