The nurse is preparing to administer spironolactone (Aldactone) and furosemide (Lasix) at 0900 to a client diagnosed with ascites. Review of 0600 laboratory results shows serum sodium 130 mEq/L (136-145 mEq/L) and potassium 3.1 mEq/L (3.5-5.0 mEq/L). Which action should the nurse take first?
Request a dietary consult
Order a 2 gram sodium restriction diet
Initiate a fluid restriction
Hold the spironolactone and furosemide
The Correct Answer is D
A) Requesting a dietary consult is useful but not the most immediate action needed.
B) Ordering a 2 gram sodium restriction diet is important but not addressing the immediate issue of electrolyte imbalance.
C) Fluid restriction may be considered but not before addressing the electrolyte issues.
D) Holding the spironolactone and furosemide is the correct action, as administering these could exacerbate the existing hypokalemia and hyponatremia, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Pancrelipase may be prescribed to aid in digestion in chronic pancreatitis but is not typically used in the acute phase.
B) While ambulation may be encouraged as tolerated, it is not a specific prescription for acute pancreatitis.
C) Pantoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, is often prescribed in acute pancreatitis to reduce gastric acid secretion, thereby reducing pancreatic stimulation and promoting healing.
D) In acute pancreatitis, dietary intake is typically restricted initially, often starting with nothing by mouth (NPO) and progressing to a clear liquid diet as tolerated; a low-residue diet is usually introduced at a later stage.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
A) PT is prolonged in cirrhosis due to impaired synthesis of clotting factors by the liver, making it important to monitor for bleeding risk.
B) Serum albumin levels decrease in cirrhosis due to impaired liver function, reflecting the client's nutritional status and liver synthetic function.
C) Elevated serum ammonia levels can indicate hepatic encephalopathy, a complication of cirrhosis characterized by altered mental status.
D) Troponin is not typically evaluated in cirrhosis assessment; it is a cardiac marker used to assess for myocardial infarction.
E) Serum lipase is not typically evaluated in cirrhosis assessment; it is a pancreatic enzyme used to diagnose pancreatitis.
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