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. While knowing the location of the assault may be relevant for police reports, it does not directly pertain to the client’s health and potential exposure to HIV.
B. Permission to contact the police is important for legal reasons, but the priority is to address the client's health needs first.
C. Identifying the individual who assaulted the client is critical for assessing the risk of HIV exposure and determining the need for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). This question directly impacts the client’s immediate health care.
D. Understanding the day and time of the assault is useful for legal documentation but is less critical than assessing potential exposure to HIV.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The CD4-T-cell count of 180 cells/mm3 is a critical measure of immune function in an HIV-positive client, indicating progression of the disease and risk for opportunistic infections. Values below 200 cells/mm3 signify the client has progressed to AIDS.
B. A positive Western blot test confirms the presence of HIV but does not indicate the immediate health risk or necessary interventions.
C. A platelet count of 150,000/mm3 is within the normal range, thus not indicative of any urgent concerns.
D. A WBC count of 5,000/mm3 is also within normal limits and does not highlight an immediate issue that needs addressing compared to the CD4 count.