A 70-year-old male receiving high-dose IV furosemide for heart failure complains of ringing in his ears and dizziness. His current labs show normal potassium and sodium levels. What is the nurse's most appropriate intervention?
Increase the infusion rate and check the patient's sodium levels again in 2 hours
Administer potassium supplements and continue the infusion
Reassure the patient that the symptoms are temporary and continue monitoring
Stop the furosemide infusion and notify the provider
The Correct Answer is D
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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
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.
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