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 C
Explanation
A. Abuse refers to the mistreatment of a patient, which does not apply to this scenario as the issue was an error rather than intentional harm.
B. Battery involves intentional and wrongful physical contact with another person; while the wrong medication is harmful, it was not an intentional act of violence.
C. Malpractice is the correct choice because it involves negligence in the professional duties of a healthcare provider, resulting in harm to a patient. The nurse failed to adhere to the standard of care by administering the incorrect medication.
D. Assault refers to the threat of harm or the act of creating fear of harm in another person, which is not applicable in this scenario since the nurse did not threaten the client.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Increasing the infusion rate may exacerbate the patient's symptoms and does not address the potential toxicity from the furosemide.
B. Normal potassium levels indicate that potassium supplementation is unnecessary and does not address the dizziness and ringing in the ears, which could suggest ototoxicity from furosemide.
C. While reassurance can help, the patient's symptoms indicate a potential adverse reaction to the medication that should not be ignored.
D. Stopping the furosemide infusion and notifying the provider is the most appropriate action due to the risk of ototoxicity and the need for further evaluation of the patient's symptoms.