A nurse is assessing a client who started taking furosemide 2 days ago and has a potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Muscle rigidity of the extremities
Bounding radial pulses
Depressed deep tendon reflexes
Increased bowel motility
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Muscle rigidity of the extremities: This finding is more indicative of hyperkalemia or severe electrolyte imbalances but is not a common symptom of hypokalemia.
B. Bounding radial pulses: This finding is more associated with hypervolemia or hyperkalemia, not with hypokalemia caused by furosemide.
C. Depressed deep tendon reflexes: This is the correct response, as low potassium levels (hypokalemia) can lead to diminished reflexes due to its role in neuromuscular function.
D. Increased bowel motility: This is incorrect, as hypokalemia typically results in decreased bowel motility and may cause constipation rather than increased motility.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Magnesium 2.5 mEq/L: A magnesium level slightly above the normal range does not indicate an immediate need to discontinue clozapine, as this level is not related to the adverse effects of the drug.
B. Potassium 5.4 mEq/L: While elevated potassium levels can pose a health risk, this is not a direct indicator to discontinue clozapine. Potassium levels can be managed with other interventions.
C. WBC 2,500/mm³: Clozapine carries a risk of agranulocytosis, a condition where the white blood cell (WBC) count becomes dangerously low, leading to severe infection risk. A WBC count of 2,500/mm³ is below the normal range and indicates the need to discontinue clozapine immediately.
D. Sodium 134 mEq/L: A slightly low sodium level is not typically related to clozapine use and does not warrant discontinuation of the medication.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Muscle rigidity of the extremities: This finding is more indicative of hyperkalemia or severe electrolyte imbalances but is not a common symptom of hypokalemia.
B. Bounding radial pulses: This finding is more associated with hypervolemia or hyperkalemia, not with hypokalemia caused by furosemide.
C. Depressed deep tendon reflexes: This is the correct response, as low potassium levels (hypokalemia) can lead to diminished reflexes due to its role in neuromuscular function.
D. Increased bowel motility: This is incorrect, as hypokalemia typically results in decreased bowel motility and may cause constipation rather than increased motility.