A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values for a client who has heart failure and is taking bumetanide. For which of the following results should the nurse notify the provider?
Calcium 10 mg/dL
Sodium 136 mEq/L
Potassium 2.3 mEq/L
Magnesium 1.4 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is C
A. Calcium 10 mg/dL: This calcium level is within the normal range (8.6-10.2 mg/dL) and does not require intervention.
B. Sodium 136 mEq/L: This sodium level is within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L).
C. Potassium 2.3 mEq/L: This potassium level is critically low; bumetanide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia, which can lead to dangerous cardiac dysrhythmias.
D. Magnesium 1.4 mEq/L: While slightly low, this magnesium level is only mildly decreased and not as immediately concerning as the potassium level.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "I will avoid crossing my legs at the knees." Crossing the legs can restrict blood flow and should be avoided in PVD.
B. "I will use a thermometer to check the temperature of my bath water." Due to reduced sensation, checking the water temperature can prevent burns.
C. "I will not go barefoot." Going barefoot increases the risk of injury or infection, especially with impaired circulation.
D. "I will wear stockings with elastic tops." Stockings with tight elastic tops can restrict blood flow, worsening symptoms in PVD.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Shortness of breath while lying down. Shortness of breath when lying down, or orthopnea, is common in left-sided heart failure due to fluid backing up into the lungs, causing pulmonary congestion.
B. Jugular venous distention. Jugular venous distention is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure due to systemic venous congestion.
C. Right upper quadrant pain. Right upper quadrant pain is associated with liver congestion due to right-sided heart failure, not left-sided heart failure.
D. Pitting edema of the lower legs. Pitting edema is a symptom of right-sided heart failure, as fluid backs up into the peripheral circulation.