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. Muscle weakness and confusion are more commonly associated with metabolic or mixed acid-base disturbances rather than respiratory alkalosis specifically.
B. Decreased deep tendon reflexes and hypotension are not typical signs of respiratory alkalosis, which usually involves changes in breathing patterns.
C. Bradycardia and decreased respiratory rate are more likely associated with respiratory acidosis or other conditions, not with respiratory alkalosis.
D. Rapid, shallow breathing, often due to anxiety or panic attacks, is characteristic of respiratory alkalosis. Patients may also report feelings of panic due to the hyperventilation that leads to this condition.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Cardiac tamponade is a condition where fluid accumulates in the pericardial space, exerting pressure on the heart and impeding its ability to pump effectively, leading to obstructive shock.
B. Third spacing refers to fluid accumulation in the interstitial spaces but is not a specific diagnosis of obstructive shock.
C. A ruptured aneurysm may lead to hypovolemic shock due to blood loss rather than obstructive shock, which is characterized by physical obstruction to blood flow.
D. Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that affects its ability to pump blood, leading to cardiogenic shock, not obstructive shock.