The nurse caring for a patient taking furosemide [Lasix] is reviewing the patient’s most recent laboratory results, which are: sodium, 136 mEq/L; potassium, 3.1 mEq/L; chloride, 100 mEq/L; blood urea nitrogen, 15 mg/dL. What is the nurse’s best action?

Administer Lasix as ordered

Place the patient on oxygen

Hold the Lasix and notify the physician

Begin a 24-hour urine collection

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Furosemide, a loop diuretic, promotes potassium excretion, risking hypokalemia. The patient’s potassium level (3.1 mEq/L) is below normal (3.5-5.0 mEq/L), indicating hypokalemia, which can cause arrhythmias. Administering Lasix without addressing this could worsen the electrolyte imbalance, making this choice unsafe and incorrect.

Choice B reason: Oxygen administration addresses respiratory issues, not electrolyte imbalances like hypokalemia (3.1 mEq/L) caused by furosemide. There’s no indication of hypoxia in the lab results or scenario. This action doesn’t correct the potassium deficit or prevent further depletion, making it irrelevant and incorrect.

Choice C reason: Furosemide exacerbates hypokalemia (patient’s potassium: 3.1 mEq/L), risking cardiac arrhythmias or muscle weakness. Holding the dose prevents further potassium loss, and notifying the physician allows for correction (e.g., potassium supplements) and reassessment of therapy, making this the safest and most appropriate action.

Choice D reason: A 24-hour urine collection assesses renal function or output but doesn’t address the immediate concern of hypokalemia (3.1 mEq/L) caused by furosemide. This test is irrelevant to correcting the electrolyte imbalance or preventing further depletion, making it an inappropriate action in this scenario.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Opioid tolerance does not reduce constipation; it may persist or worsen. Tolerance primarily reduces pain relief, so this is incorrect for the effect.

Choice B reason: Respiratory depression risk may not increase with tolerance, as sensitivity to this effect also diminishes. Analgesia is most affected, so this is incorrect.

Choice C reason: Euphoria typically decreases with tolerance, not increases, as receptor sensitivity drops. Reduced analgesia is the primary effect, so this is incorrect.

Choice D reason: Opioid tolerance leads to decreased analgesic effect, requiring higher doses for pain relief. This is the hallmark of tolerance, making it the correct choice.

A. Decreased blood pressure B. Decreased temperature C. Decreased pulse D. Decreased respiratory rate

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Furosemide, a loop diuretic, reduces blood volume, often lowering blood pressure. Monitoring for hypotension is critical to prevent dizziness or shock, making this the correct manifestation to observe.

Choice B reason: Decreased temperature is not a common effect of furosemide, which primarily affects fluid balance. Blood pressure changes are more relevant, so this is incorrect.

Choice C reason: Furosemide may increase heart rate due to volume loss, not decrease pulse. Hypotension is a primary concern, making this incorrect for the expected manifestation.

Choice D reason: Decreased respiratory rate is unrelated to furosemide, which may improve breathing in heart failure but not slow respiration. Blood pressure is key, so this is incorrect.

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The nurse caring for a patient taking furosemide [Lasix] is reviewing the patient’s most recent laboratory results, which are: sodium, 136 mEq/L; potassium, 3.1 mEq/L; chloride, 100 mEq/L; blood urea nitrogen, 15 mg/dL. What is the nurse’s best action?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient who has developed opioid tolerance will experience which effect?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse should monitor for which potential clinical manifestation after administering furosemide (Lasix)?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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