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. Bradycardia: Albuterol can cause an increase in heart rate (tachycardia) as a common side effect, not a decrease in heart rate, so bradycardia would not be expected.
B. Wheezing: Albuterol is used to relieve wheezing by causing bronchodilation, so continued wheezing after administration would suggest ineffective treatment rather than being an expected finding.
C. Tremors: Tremors are a common side effect of albuterol due to its stimulation of beta-2 receptors in the muscles. This is often seen after nebulizer treatments.
D. Sleepiness: Albuterol generally causes stimulation of the central nervous system, leading to restlessness or nervousness, not sleepiness.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Furosemide is a diuretic that promotes urine production but is not indicated for treating bladder distention or urinary retention post-surgery.
B. Lorazepam is an anxiolytic medication and does not address urinary retention or bladder distention.
C. Bethanechol is a cholinergic agent that stimulates bladder contraction and is used to treat urinary retention. It helps to facilitate voiding in clients who have difficulty.
D. Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that can actually inhibit bladder contraction, making it inappropriate for this situation.