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 B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Dyspepsia: While dyspepsia can be uncomfortable, it is not a critical finding that requires immediate reporting to the provider. It may be a common side effect of statins but typically does not warrant urgent intervention.
B. Elevated creatine kinase: An elevated creatine kinase level can indicate muscle damage, which is a serious side effect associated with rosuvastatin and other statins. This finding requires immediate reporting to prevent complications such as rhabdomyolysis.
C. Headache: A headache may occur with many medications and does not usually require immediate reporting unless it is severe or persistent.
D. Mostly cloudy: This option does not pertain to any specific clinical finding or symptom and is therefore not relevant to the question.
E. Decreased HDL cholesterol: While low HDL cholesterol can be a concern, it is not as urgent as elevated creatine kinase levels and typically does not require immediate action.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. "Remove the patch for two to four hours daily.": This is incorrect because transdermal nitroglycerin patches should be worn continuously for 24 hours, with a scheduled time to remove them (usually overnight) to prevent tolerance.
B. "Apply a new patch each day after waking up.": This instruction is correct; clients should apply a new patch daily to ensure continuous therapeutic effects while also allowing a break to reduce tolerance.
C. "Cover the patch with plastic wrap.": This is incorrect; covering the patch with plastic wrap can alter the absorption of the medication and is not necessary.
D. "Replace the existing patch with a new patch as soon as anginal pain begins.": This is incorrect; clients should not replace the patch immediately for angina. Instead, they should use sublingual nitroglycerin for immediate relief and follow the prescribed patch schedule.