Your patient is ordered a loop diuretic at 1000. Which finding below would require you to hold the dose and notify the physician for further orders?
Sodium level 144
Potassium level 1.5 mEq/L
Blood pressure 102/78
Calcium level 9 mg/L
The Correct Answer is B
Loop diuretics, such as furosemide, are known to cause potassium loss as they increase urine output. A potassium level of 1.5 mEq/L indicates severe hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which can be potentially dangerous and lead to various complications, including cardiac arrhythmias.
Hence, it is important to hold the dose of the loop diuretic and notify the physician so that appropriate interventions can be taken to address the low potassium level, such as prescribing potassium supplementation or adjusting the dosage of the loop diuretic.
A sodium level of 144 is within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L) and does not require immediate action.
A blood pressure of 102/78, although it may indicate hypotension, does not necessarily require holding the dose of the loop diuretic unless it is accompanied by other significant symptoms or clinical concerns.
A calcium level of 9 mg/dL falls within the normal range (8.5-10.5 mg/dL) and does not necessitate holding the loop diuretic dose.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator that provides rapid relief of bronchospasm and helps to alleviate the symptoms of respiratory distress in asthma. It acts quickly to relax the smooth muscles in the airways, improving airflow and relieving wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. In an acute asthma exacerbation, albuterol is often the first-line medication used to provide immediate relief and improve respiratory function. Prednisone is an oral corticosteroid that has anti-inflammatory effects and is commonly used in the treatment of asthma. However, it is typically administered orally and takes time to exert its effects. In the emergency department setting, the focus is on providing immediate relief of symptoms, and oral medications like prednisone may not have an immediate effect. Ipratropium is an anticholinergic bronchodilator that can be administered via inhalation. While it is effective in relieving bronchospasm, it is generally used as an adjunct to albuterol and not typically the first-line medication for severe respiratory distress in asthma. Fluticasone is an inhaled corticosteroid that has anti-inflammatory effects and is used for long-term management and control of asthma. It is not appropriate for immediate relief of severe respiratory distress and is not typically used as a first-line medication in the emergency department.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E","F","G","H","J"]
Explanation
● Weight 98 lbs: This information helps determine the patient's baseline weight and assess for potential weight loss associated with dehydration.
● Dehydrated: The diagnosis of dehydration indicates a critical condition that requires immediate attention and intervention.
● Lethargy: Lethargy suggests a decreased level of consciousness and could indicate a severe state of dehydration or other underlying issues that need to be addressed promptly.
● HR 122: A heart rate of 122 beats per minute is elevated and may indicate compensatory mechanisms in response to dehydration or other underlying conditions. It requires further evaluation and intervention.
● Shortness of Breath: This symptom suggests respiratory distress and may be related to the patient's dehydration or underlying conditions. It requires immediate assessment and intervention.
● Temperature 100: An elevated temperature may indicate an underlying infection or inflammatory response. It requires further evaluation to determine the cause and guide appropriate treatment.
● Thirsty: The patient's report of feeling thirsty is an important symptom indicating dehydration and the need for fluid replacement.
● BP 90/50: A blood pressure of 90/50 is low and may be indicative of hypotension, which can occur in dehydration. It requires close monitoring and intervention to stabilize the patient's blood pressure.
The following items are not immediate concerns based on the given information: ● Admitted to the ER: While it is important information, it is not a current concern as the patient is already in the ER.
● Female: The patient's gender is not an immediate concern for the assessment and management of dehydration.
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