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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Digibind is the trade name forantidigoxin, which is an antibody made up of anti-digoxin immunoglobulin fragments.It is thespecific antidoteto digoxin toxicity, which can occur even when the serum digoxin concentration is within the therapeutic range.Digoxin toxicity causes anorexia, nausea, vomiting, neurological symptoms and arrhythmias.
Choice A, Protamine sulfate, is wrong because it is the antidote for heparin overdose, not digoxin toxicity.
Protamine sulfate reverses the anticoagulant effect of heparin by binding to it and forming a stable complex.
Choice B, Acetylcysteine, is wrong because it is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose, not digoxin toxicity.
Acetylcysteine replenishes glutathione, which is depleted by acetaminophen metabolites that cause hepatotoxicity.
Choice D, Vitamin K, is wrong because it is the antidote for warfarin overdose, not digoxin toxicity.
Vitamin K restores the synthesis of clotting factors that are inhibited by warfarin.
Normal ranges for serum digoxin concentration are 0.6 to 1.2 nanomol/L (0.5 to 0.9 nanograms/mL) for heart failure and unknown for atrial fibrillation without heart failure.
Normal ranges for serum potassium level are 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L and for serum magnesium level are 0.7 to 1.0 mmol/L.
Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
Pentoxifylline is a medication that improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to the tissues in patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD), a condition that causes narrowing of the arteries in the legs.Pentoxifylline can help reduce the symptoms of intermittent claudication, which is cramping pain in the legs that occurs with walking and improves with rest.
Choice A is correct because smoking is a major risk factor for PVD and quitting smoking can improve blood flow and prevent further damage to the arteries.
Choice B is correct because prolonged sitting or standing can reduce blood flow to the legs and worsen symptoms of PVD.
Patients should avoid crossing their legs, wearing tight clothing, or exposing their legs to cold temperatures.They should also elevate their legs when resting and move them frequently.
Choice C is wrong because pentoxifylline should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after meals, to increase its absorption and effectiveness.
Choice D is wrong because physical activity is beneficial for patients with PVD and intermittent claudication.
Exercise can improve blood circulation, increase muscle strength, reduce pain, and lower cardiovascular risk factors.Patients should be encouraged to walk regularly, as tolerated, and follow a supervised exercise program if available.
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