A nurse is caring for a client who receives furosemide to treat heart failure. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor for this client due to this medication?
Cortisol
Bicarbonate
Albumin
Potassium
The Correct Answer is D
A. Cortisol levels are not directly affected by furosemide; monitoring for adrenal function is not a priority.
B. Bicarbonate levels are not specifically monitored for clients on furosemide; this medication's main effect does not relate directly to bicarbonate balance.
C. Albumin levels are not primarily affected by furosemide; although low albumin can affect fluid status, it is not the critical monitoring focus.
D. Potassium levels should be monitored because furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to hypokalemia, which is a common and significant side effect due to increased renal excretion of potassium.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Encouraging oral intake may not be effective due to the patient's likely need for more rapid rehydration given his low blood pressure and heart rate.
B. A potassium-sparing diuretic is inappropriate in this situation, as the patient is already experiencing fluid loss and requires rehydration, not diuresis.
C. Restricting fluid intake would be contraindicated as the patient is in a state of dehydration and hypotension.
D. Administering an IV bolus of normal saline is the priority intervention to quickly restore fluid volume and improve blood pressure and hydration status.
Correct Answer is ["A","C"]
Explanation
A. Orthostatic hypotension is a common sign of hypovolemia, as the lack of fluid volume can lead to a drop in blood pressure when changing positions.
B. Bradycardia is not typically associated with fluid volume deficit; tachycardia is more common as the body tries to compensate for low blood volume.
C. Decreased skin turgor is a classic sign of dehydration and fluid volume deficit, indicating reduced skin elasticity.
D. Weight gain is associated with fluid volume overload, not deficit.
E. Pulmonary edema is related to fluid volume overload or congestive heart failure, not hypovolemia.