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
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