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 C
Explanation
A) Generalized abdominal pain: While abdominal pain can occur with peritonitis, it is not always the earliest indication. Pain may develop after other symptoms become apparent, making it less specific as an initial sign.
B) Fever: Fever is a common symptom of infection, including peritonitis. However, it can also occur in various other conditions and may not be the first noticeable symptom, especially if the infection is localized.
C) Cloudy effluent: Cloudy or turbid dialysate effluent is often the earliest and most specific indication of peritonitis in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. This change in the appearance of the effluent suggests an infection, and the presence of cloudy fluid should prompt further evaluation for peritonitis.
D) Increased heart rate: An increased heart rate can be a response to various conditions, including infection, but it is not specific to peritonitis and may not be the earliest sign.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Heart rate 60/min: A heart rate of 60 beats per minute is on the lower end of the normal range. While bradycardia can be concerning, it does not indicate the need for an increase in dopamine dosage specifically. The primary goal of dopamine administration in hypovolemic shock is to improve perfusion and blood pressure, rather than solely addressing heart rate.
B) Respiratory rate 14/min: A respiratory rate of 14 breaths per minute is within the normal range for adults. This finding suggests that the client is not experiencing respiratory distress and does not warrant an increase in the dopamine dosage. The focus should be on hemodynamic parameters rather than respiratory rate in this context.
C) Oxygen saturation 95%: An oxygen saturation of 95% is considered acceptable and indicates adequate oxygenation. While maintaining oxygen saturation is important, this finding does not directly reflect the effectiveness of dopamine in improving hemodynamics. Therefore, it does not indicate the need for a dosage increase.
D) Blood pressure 90/50 mm Hg: A blood pressure reading of 90/50 mm Hg indicates hypotension and poor perfusion, which is a significant concern in a client with hypovolemic shock. An increase in dopamine dosage is warranted in this situation, as dopamine is administered to enhance cardiac output and improve blood pressure. Therefore, this finding strongly indicates the need to adjust the medication to ensure adequate hemodynamic support.