The client with heart failure exhibits bibasilar crackles, dyspnea and a respiratory rate of 26/min. The physician prescribes furosemide 40 mg IV. Which parameter would the nurse use to best evaluate if the client is responding to this medication?
Serum sodium level is 135 mEq/L (normal 135-145mEq/L)
Respiratory rate of 16/minute
Blood pressure reading of 120/80
Urine output 120 mL one hour following administration
The Correct Answer is B
A. Serum sodium level of 135 mEq/L (normal 135-145mEq/L) - Although important, sodium levels do not directly assess the effectiveness of furosemide in relieving fluid overload.
B. Respiratory rate of 16/minute - A decrease in respiratory rate following the administration of furosemide indicates that the client is improving, as furosemide works to reduce fluid overload and ease breathing.
C. Blood pressure reading of 120/80 - While blood pressure may be influenced by fluid status, it is not the best indicator for the effectiveness of diuretics in this case.
D. Urine output 120 mL one hour following administration - While urine output is important, a single hour’s output may not show the full effectiveness of the diuretic, and output can vary depending on the client’s hydration status.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Hypermagnesemia can cause bradycardia and hypotension, but it is less commonly associated with PVCs. This does not align with the lab results provided.
B. Hypocalcemia can cause arrhythmias, but it is not the most likely cause of PVCs in this case, considering other findings.
C. Hypokalemia (low potassium) is a known cause of PVCs. The patient's potassium level is 2.8 mEq/L, which is significantly low and most likely contributing to the PVCs.
D. Although hyperglycemia can affect cardiac function, it is less commonly linked to PVCs compared to electrolyte imbalances, such as hypokalemia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Cyanosis, or a bluish discoloration of the skin, occurs when there is insufficient oxygen in the blood, which can result from decreased perfusion due to clotting in DIC. It is a sign of poor oxygenation and perfusion.
B. While petechiae (small red or purple spots) are a common manifestation of DIC due to microvascular clotting and bleeding, they are not a sign of decreased perfusion.
C. Epistaxis (nosebleeds) is another bleeding manifestation of DIC but is not indicative of decreased perfusion, which is more closely related to cyanosis.
D. Hematuria (blood in the urine) can occur in DIC due to clotting in the kidneys or urinary tract. However, it is more related to bleeding than to decreased perfusion.
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