A nurse is administering furosemide 80 mg PO twice daily to a client who has pulmonary edema. Which of the following assessment findings indicates to the nurse that the medication is effective?
Elevation in blood pressure
Respiratory rate of 24/min
Adventitious breath sounds
Weight loss of 1.8 kg (4 lb) in the past 24 hr
The Correct Answer is D
A) Elevation in blood pressure: An elevation in blood pressure is not an indicator of the effectiveness of furosemide. In fact, effective diuresis would typically lead to a reduction in blood pressure, especially in cases of pulmonary edema related to heart failure.
B) Respiratory rate of 24/min: A respiratory rate of 24/min indicates tachypnea, which is often associated with respiratory distress or ongoing pulmonary congestion. This finding does not suggest that the furosemide is effective; instead, it may indicate that further intervention is needed.
C) Adventitious breath sounds: The presence of adventitious breath sounds, such as wheezing or crackles, suggests ongoing fluid accumulation in the lungs and is not an indicator of effective diuresis. Effective treatment should lead to clearer breath sounds as fluid is removed.
D) Weight loss of 1.8 kg (4 lb) in the past 24 hr: This finding is a strong indicator of the effectiveness of furosemide. A significant weight loss, especially in a client with pulmonary edema, reflects a reduction in fluid overload. Since furosemide works by promoting diuresis, this weight loss suggests that the medication is effectively reducing excess fluid in the body.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) "It is normal to feel this way after a morning run.": While some fatigue can be expected after exercise, the client's symptoms of diaphoresis, palpitations, and exhaustion suggest that there may be an underlying issue related to their diabetes management, such as hypoglycemia. This response downplays the seriousness of their symptoms.
B) "It becomes easier when exercise is a routine.": While it is true that regular exercise can improve fitness and make physical activity feel easier over time, this response does not address the immediate concern of the client's current symptoms, which could indicate hypoglycemia.
C) "Were you careful to not have carbohydrates after the run?": This response suggests a misunderstanding of the client's needs. After exercise, especially for someone with type 1 diabetes, it is important to ensure adequate carbohydrate intake to prevent hypoglycemia. The client may need carbohydrates rather than avoiding them.
D) "Did you decrease your insulin intake before you exercised?": This is the most appropriate response. Clients with type 1 diabetes need to manage their insulin levels carefully, especially around exercise. If the client did not adjust their insulin dose or carbohydrate intake appropriately, they could be at risk for hypoglycemia, which explains their symptoms. This question encourages the client to reflect on their diabetes management in relation to their exercise.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Monitor the client's vital signs once every hour: After a cardiac catheterization, it is crucial to monitor vital signs more frequently than every hour. The nurse should assess vital signs every 15 minutes for the first hour, then every 30 minutes for the next two hours, and
then according to the facility's protocol, to quickly identify any complications.
B) Elevate the head of the client's bed to a 45° angle: Elevating the head of the bed to a 45° angle is generally not recommended immediately following cardiac catheterization through the femoral artery. The client should remain flat or with the head elevated no more than 30 degrees to reduce the risk of bleeding from the access site.
C) Instruct the client not to bend the affected leg: This is the most appropriate action. Keeping the affected leg straight is essential to prevent complications such as bleeding or hematoma formation at the catheter insertion site. The client should be instructed to avoid bending or flexing the leg for a specified period, usually several hours post-procedure.
D) Restrict the client's fluid intake: Restricting fluid intake is not necessary after cardiac catheterization. In fact, adequate hydration is often encouraged to help flush the contrast dye from the system and maintain kidney function, provided there are no contraindications.