The nurse obtains a prescription for furosemide 40 mg IV for a client who has pulmonary congestion as the result of fluid volume overload. The nurse assesses the vital signs to be T-98.6, P-110, RR-24 and BP-90/60. What is the most appropriate action at this time?
Withhold the dose and reassess the blood pressure in 30 minutes.
Call the healthcare provider to obtain an order for oral furosemide.
Administer the medication and notify the healthcare provider of the blood pressure.
Administer the dose and continue to monitor the vital signs.
The nurse obtains a prescription for furosemide 40 mg IV for a client who has pulmonary congestion as the result of fluid volume overload. The nurse assesses the vital signs to be T-98.6, P-110, RR-24 and BP-90/60. What is the most appropriate action at this time?
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Withholding the dose and reassessing the blood pressure in 30 minutes is not the most appropriate action at this time. Furosemide is a drug that reduces fluid retention and swelling by increasing the urine output. ¹ The client has pulmonary congestion, which means that there is excess fluid in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing and low oxygen levels. ² Delaying the administration of furosemide may worsen the client's condition and increase the risk of complications, such as pulmonary edema or heart failure.
Choice B reason: Calling the healthcare provider to obtain an order for oral furosemide is not the most appropriate action at this time. Oral furosemide is a tablet that is swallowed and absorbed by the digestive system. ¹ It takes longer to act than intravenous (IV) furosemide, which is injected directly into the bloodstream. ¹ The client has pulmonary congestion, which requires immediate treatment to relieve the fluid accumulation in the lungs. Switching to oral furosemide may delay the therapeutic effect and compromise the client's outcome.
Choice C reason: Administering the medication and notifying the healthcare provider of the blood pressure is the most appropriate action at this time. Furosemide is a drug that reduces fluid retention and swelling by increasing the urine output. ¹ The client has pulmonary congestion, which means that there is excess fluid in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing and low oxygen levels. ² Administering IV furosemide can help remove the excess fluid from the lungs and improve the client's breathing and oxygenation. However, furosemide can also lower the blood pressure by reducing the volume of fluid in the blood vessels. ¹ The client already has low blood pressure, which can cause dizziness, fainting, or shock. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider of the blood pressure and monitor the client for any signs of hypotension or adverse reactions.
Choice D reason: Administering the dose and continuing to monitor the vital signs is not the most appropriate action at this time. Furosemide is a drug that reduces fluid retention and swelling by increasing the urine output. ¹ The client has pulmonary congestion, which means that there is excess fluid in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing and low oxygen levels. ² Administering IV furosemide can help remove the excess fluid from the lungs and improve the client's breathing and oxygenation. However, furosemide can also lower the blood pressure by reducing the volume of fluid in the blood vessels. ¹ The client already has low blood pressure, which can cause dizziness, fainting, or shock. The nurse should not only monitor the vital signs, but also notify the healthcare provider of the blood pressure and report any changes or concerns.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Placing the call bell in reach of the client is the most appropriate nursing action following the administration of metoprolol, a beta-blocker that lowers blood pressure and heart rate. ¹ The client may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting as side effects of the medication, especially after the first dose. ² The call bell allows the client to alert the nurse if they need assistance or experience any adverse reactions.
Choice B reason: Taking a pulse oximetry reading is not the most appropriate nursing action following the administration of metoprolol. Pulse oximetry measures the oxygen saturation of the blood, which is not directly affected by metoprolol. ³ A more relevant vital sign to monitor is the blood pressure and heart rate, which can indicate the effectiveness and safety of the medication.
Choice C reason: Recording the client's weight is not the most appropriate nursing action following the administration of metoprolol. Weight is not a sensitive indicator of the immediate effects of metoprolol. Weight may be monitored periodically to assess the client's fluid status and possible signs of heart failure, which metoprolol can help prevent. ¹ However, this is not a priority action after the first dose of the medication.
Choice D reason: Encouraging oral fluids is not the most appropriate nursing action following the administration of metoprolol. Oral fluids may help prevent dehydration and constipation, which can occur as side effects of metoprolol. ² However, excessive fluid intake may worsen the client's blood pressure and heart function, which metoprolol aims to improve. The nurse should advise the client to drink fluids as directed by the provider and report any signs of fluid overload, such as swelling, shortness of breath, or weight gain.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Furosemide 40 mg PO daily is not the medication that the nurse should administer for chest pain. Furosemide is a diuretic that reduces fluid volume and lowers blood pressure, but it does not relieve anginal pain.
Choice B reason: Diltiazem 30 mg PO daily is not the medication that the nurse should administer for chest pain. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure, but it does not act quickly enough to relieve acute anginal pain.
Choice C reason: Metoprolol 25 mg PO bid is not the medication that the nurse should administer for chest pain. Metoprolol is a beta blocker that slows down the heart rate and lowers blood pressure, but it does not act quickly enough to relieve acute anginal pain.
Choice D reason: Nitroglycerin 0.4 mg SL PRN is the medication that the nurse should administer for chest pain. Nitroglycerin is a nitrate that dilates the coronary arteries and increases blood flow to the heart, thus relieving anginal pain. It is given sublingually (under the tongue) as needed for chest pain.
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