Take full exam for free

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?

A) Decreased anxiety: Morphine is an opioid analgesic that not only alleviates pain but also has anxiolytic properties, helping to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of well-being. In the context of acute heart failure, clients often experience anxiety due to the sensation of breathlessness and overall distress. Therefore, a noticeable decrease in anxiety levels indicates that the morphine is providing therapeutic relief and contributing positively to the client's emotional state.

B) Emesis of 250 mL: While nausea and vomiting can occur with morphine administration, emesis is generally considered an adverse effect rather than an indication of the medication's effectiveness. In fact, significant vomiting can lead to further complications, such as dehydration or electrolyte imbalances, and may require intervention. Therefore, emesis does not reflect the intended therapeutic outcomes of morphine.

C) Increased respiratory rate to 26/min: An increased respiratory rate may signal distress or inadequate ventilation, which can be concerning in a client with acute heart failure. While morphine can cause respiratory depression in some cases, an elevated respiratory rate may indicate that the client is still experiencing discomfort or hypoxia, suggesting that the medication may not have been effective in alleviating their symptoms.

D) Decreased urinary output: Decreased urinary output can be a sign of renal impairment or fluid overload, which may be exacerbated by heart failure rather than an indication of morphine's effectiveness. In the setting of acute heart failure, monitoring urinary output is essential, but a reduction does not reflect the success of morphine therapy and may warrant further evaluation and intervention.

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.