Video Library
Medications for heart failure
Medications for heart failure ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who is receiving furosemide (Lasix). Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the medication is effective?
Furosemide (Lasix) is a diuretic that helps reduce fluid overload and edema in clients with heart failure. Increased urine output indicates that the medication is effective in removing excess fluid from the body and improving cardiac function.
Choice B is wrong because Decreased blood pressure is wrong because furosemide (Lasix) does not directly lower blood pressure, although it may have a mild effect due to reduced blood volume. Decreased blood pressure may also indicate hypovolemia, dehydration, or shock, which are complications of heart failure and diuretic therapy.
Choice C is wrong because Increased heart rate is wrong because furosemide (Lasix) does not affect the heart rate, unless the client develops electrolyte imbalances or hypovolemia, which can cause tachycardia. Increased heart rate may also indicate worsening heart failure, as the heart tries to compensate for reduced cardiac output.
Choice D is wrong because Decreased respiratory rate is wrong because furosemide (Lasix) does not affect the respiratory rate, unless the client develops respiratory depression or alkalosis, which are rare side effects of the medication. Decreased respiratory rate may also indicate fatigue, sedation, or opioid overdose, which are not related to heart failure or diuretic therapy.
Furosemide (Lasix) is a diuretic that helps reduce fluid overload and edema in clients with heart failure. Increased urine output indicates that the medication is effective in removing excess fluid from the body and improving cardiac function.
Choice B is wrong because Decreased blood pressure is wrong because furosemide (Lasix) does not directly lower blood pressure, although it may have a mild effect due to reduced blood volume. Decreased blood pressure may also indicate hypovolemia, dehydration, or shock, which are complications of heart failure and diuretic therapy.
Choice C is wrong because Increased heart rate is wrong because furosemide (Lasix) does not affect the heart rate, unless the client develops electrolyte imbalances or hypovolemia, which can cause tachycardia. Increased heart rate may also indicate worsening heart failure, as the heart tries to compensate for reduced cardiac output.
Choice D is wrong because Decreased respiratory rate is wrong because furosemide (Lasix) does not affect the respiratory rate, unless the client develops respiratory depression or alkalosis, which are rare side effects of the medication. Decreased respiratory rate may also indicate fatigue, sedation, or opioid overdose, which are not related to heart failure or diuretic therapy.
Normal ranges for urine output are 30 to 60 mL/hr for adults, blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg or lower for normal and 140/90 mm Hg or higher for hypertension, heart rate is 60 to 100 beats/min for adults, and respiratory rate is 12 to 20 breaths/min for adults.