The prescriber orders furosemide 80 mg for a patient who has been retaining extra fluid after surgery. The nurse notes the following: BP of 142/88 (lying) and 108/60 (sitting); daily weight of 154 lb, a 1-lb drop from day before; serum potassium of 2.8 mEq/L.
What should the nurse do?
Administer medication.
Contact provider.
Hold medication
Give potassium supplement
The Correct Answer is B
The nurse should contact the provider before administering furosemide because the patient has a low serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L, which is below the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Furosemide is a diuretic that can cause potassium loss and worsen hypokalemia, which can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and fatigue. The nurse should also monitor the patient’s blood pressure, weight, and urine output, as furosemide can lower blood pressure and cause dehydration.
Choice A. Administer medication is wrong because the nurse should not give furosemide without checking with the provider first, as it could be harmful to the patient with low potassium.
Choice C. Hold medication is wrong because the nurse should not withhold furosemide without a valid reason or an order from the provider, as it could cause fluid overload and worsen the patient’s condition.
Choice D. Give potassium supplement is wrong because the nurse should not give potassium supplement without an order from the provider, as it could cause hyperkalemia or interact with other medications.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Diuretics are medicines that help the kidneys get rid of excess water and salt, which can ease the symptoms of heart failure, such as breathlessness and swelling.However, diuretics may have some side effects, such as loss of potassium, which can affect the heart and require regular blood tests and dietary changes.Diuretics can also cause other electrolyte abnormalities, such as hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, and metabolic alkalosis. Electrolyte disturbances can have serious consequences for the heart function and rhythm, as well as other organs.
Choice A is wrong because fluid retention is the opposite of what diuretics do.
Diuretics reduce fluid retention by increasing urine output and decreasing blood volume.
Choice B is wrong because hypotension is not a direct effect of diuretics on the heart, but rather a consequence of reduced blood volume and vasodilation.
Hypotension can occur with diuretic use, especially if the dose is too high or the patient is dehydrated, but it is not a specific condition caused by diuretics.
Choice C is wrong because hyperglycemia is not related to diuretics or heart failure.
Hyperglycemia is a condition of high blood sugar, which can be caused by diabetes or other factors.
Diuretics do not affect blood sugar levels directly, although some diuretics may interact with diabetes medications and affect their efficacy.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Nitroglycerin is a medication that dilates the blood vessels and improves blood flow to the heart. It is used to treat angina, a condition that causes chest pain due to reduced oxygen supply to the heart. However, nitroglycerin can lose its effectiveness over time if it is used continuously. This is called tolerance, and it means that the patient will need higher doses of the medication to achieve the same relief. To avoid tolerance, patients who use transdermal nitroglycerin patches are instructed to remove the patch at bedtime and apply a new one in the morning. This creates a nitrate-free interval of about 8 to 12 hours, which allows the body to restore its sensitivity to nitroglycerin.
Choice A is wrong because an allergic response is not a common side effect of nitroglycerin. Some patients may experience skin irritation or rash at the site of application, but this is usually mild and does not require discontinuation of the medication.
Choice C is wrong because overdosage is unlikely with transdermal nitroglycerin patches. The patches deliver a controlled amount of nitroglycerin through the skin over a period of time. The risk of overdosage is higher with other forms of nitroglycerin, such as tablets or sprays, which are taken as needed for acute angina attacks.
Choice D is wrong because forgetting to remove the patch in the morning is not a serious problem. The patch will continue to deliver nitroglycerin until it is removed, but it will not cause harm to the patient. However, it may reduce the effectiveness of the next patch if there is no nitrate-free interval between them.
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