Which of the following medication classes can be used to treat PUD/GERD? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Furosemide, a loop diuretic, promotes potassium excretion, risking hypokalemia. The patient’s potassium level (3.1 mEq/L) is below normal (3.5-5.0 mEq/L), indicating hypokalemia, which can cause arrhythmias. Administering Lasix without addressing this could worsen the electrolyte imbalance, making this choice unsafe and incorrect.

Choice B reason: Oxygen administration addresses respiratory issues, not electrolyte imbalances like hypokalemia (3.1 mEq/L) caused by furosemide. There’s no indication of hypoxia in the lab results or scenario. This action doesn’t correct the potassium deficit or prevent further depletion, making it irrelevant and incorrect.

Choice C reason: Furosemide exacerbates hypokalemia (patient’s potassium: 3.1 mEq/L), risking cardiac arrhythmias or muscle weakness. Holding the dose prevents further potassium loss, and notifying the physician allows for correction (e.g., potassium supplements) and reassessment of therapy, making this the safest and most appropriate action.

Choice D reason: A 24-hour urine collection assesses renal function or output but doesn’t address the immediate concern of hypokalemia (3.1 mEq/L) caused by furosemide. This test is irrelevant to correcting the electrolyte imbalance or preventing further depletion, making it an inappropriate action in this scenario.

Choice A reason: Pulse oximetry of 95% is near normal and not a major concern for beta agonist administration. Tachycardia is more critical due to cardiac stimulation, so this is incorrect.

Choice B reason: A respiratory rate of 22 is slightly elevated but acceptable in respiratory conditions. Beta agonists target airways, but tachycardia is a greater risk, making this incorrect.

Choice C reason: Blood pressure of 100/60 mm Hg is low, but beta agonists primarily affect heart rate. A pre-existing tachycardia is more concerning contraindication, so this is incorrect.

Choice D reason: A heart rate of 120 beats/min is concerning, as beta agonists increase heart rate, risking arrhythmias. This requires evaluation before administration, making it the correct concern.