The nurse determines that this client’s priority problem is:

Choice A reason: A serum potassium level of 5.6 mEq/L is not a common side effect of furosemide, but of hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is a condition where the blood potassium level is too high. It can cause muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, and cardiac arrest. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases the urinary excretion of water, sodium, chloride, and potassium. It can cause hypokalemia, which is a low blood potassium level, not hyperkalemia.

Choice B reason: A serum sodium level of 142 mEq/L is not a common side effect of furosemide, but of normal sodium level. The normal range of serum sodium level is 135 to 145 mEq/L. Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate the fluid balance, nerve impulses, and muscle contractions in the body. Furosemide can cause hyponatremia, which is a low blood sodium level, but not a normal sodium level.

Choice C reason: A serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L is also not a common side effect of furosemide, but of normal sodium level. As explained in choice B, the normal range of serum sodium level is 135 to 145 mEq/L. Furosemide can cause hyponatremia, which is a low blood sodium level, but not a normal sodium level.

Choice D reason: A serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L is a common side effect of furosemide, and of hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is a condition where the blood potassium level is too low. It can cause muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, arrhythmias, and paralysis. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases the urinary excretion of water, sodium, chloride, and potassium. It can cause hypokalemia, which is a low blood potassium level. The nurse should monitor the client's serum potassium level and signs of hypokalemia, and advise the client to eat potassium-rich foods, such as bananas, oranges, and potatoes. The nurse should also report the lab value to the prescriber, who may adjust the dose of furosemide or prescribe a potassium supplement.

Choice A reason: This statement is true. Distended neck veins are a sign of fluid volume overload, as they indicate increased central venous pressure and right-sided heart failure.

Choice B reason: This statement is false. Hypotension is a sign of fluid volume deficit, not fluid volume overload. Hypotension occurs when the blood pressure is too low to perfuse the vital organs.

Choice C reason: This statement is false. Increased serum osmolality is a sign of fluid volume deficit, not fluid volume overload. Increased serum osmolality occurs when the blood concentration of solutes, such as sodium and glucose, is too high due to fluid loss.

Choice D reason: This statement is false. Dry oral mucosa is a sign of fluid volume deficit, not fluid volume overload. Dry oral mucosa occurs when the oral cavity is dehydrated due to fluid loss.

Choice E reason: This statement is true. Decreased urine specific gravity is a sign of fluid volume overload, as it indicates diluted urine and impaired kidney function.

Choice F reason: This statement is true. Weight gain is a sign of fluid volume overload, as it indicates fluid retention and edema.

Choice G reason: This statement is false. Sunken anterior fontanelle is a sign of fluid volume deficit, not fluid volume overload. Sunken anterior fontanelle occurs when the soft spot on the baby's head is depressed due to fluid loss.