A client is prescribed furosemide, a loop diuretic, for hypertension.
The nurse should instruct the client to monitor for which of the following signs of electrolyte imbalance (Select all that apply).
Muscle cramps.
Dry mouth.
Numbness and tingling.
Weakness and fatigue.
Tachycardia.
Correct Answer : A,C,D
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the kidneys to excrete more water and salt, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Electrolyte imbalance can cause muscle cramps, numbness and tingling, weakness and fatigue, and other symptoms.
Therefore, the client should monitor for these signs and report them to the doctor if they occur.
Choice B is wrong because dry mouth is not a sign of electrolyte imbalance, but rather a sign of dehydration.
Dehydration can also cause thirst, decreased urination, drowsiness, and confusion.
Choice E is wrong because tachycardia is not a sign of electrolyte imbalance, but rather a sign of hypovolemia (low blood volume) or hypotension (low blood pressure).
Furosemide can lower blood pressure by reducing fluid volume in the body.
Therefore, the client should also monitor their blood pressure and pulse regularly while taking furosemide.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Serum creatinine is a waste product that comes from muscle activity and is normally removed by the kidneys.
When the kidneys are damaged, the serum creatinine level rises.
The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a measure of how well the kidneys are filtering the blood and it is calculated from the serum creatinine level.
A normal GFR is 60 or more, while a GFR below 60 may indicate kidney disease.
Therefore, monitoring the serum creatinine level and the GFR can help assess the renal function in CKD.
Choice A is wrong because blood glucose level is not a direct indicator of renal function, although high blood glucose can damage the kidneys over time.
Choice C is wrong because serum albumin level is not a specific marker of renal function, although low serum albumin can be caused by protein loss in the urine due to kidney damage.
Choice D is wrong because white blood cell count is not related to renal function, but rather to immune system activity and infection.
Normal ranges for serum creatinine are 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for men and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for women.
Normal ranges for GFR are 90 to 120 mL/min.
Normal ranges for serum albumin are 3.4 to 5.4 g/dL1.
Normal ranges for white blood cell count are 4,000 to 11,000 cells per microliter.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is because hemodialysis removes excess fluid and waste products from the blood, but it also removes some electrolytes, such as potassium.
Potassium is important for nerve and muscle function, especially the heart.
If potassium levels are too high or too low, it can cause irregular heartbeat or cardiac arrest.
Choice B is wrong because hypokalemia means low potassium levels, which is unlikely in renal failure unless there is excessive potassium loss from diarrhea, vomiting or diuretics.
Choice C is wrong because hyponatremia means low sodium levels, which can occur in renal failure due to fluid retention, but it is not directly related to hemodialysis.
Choice D is wrong because hypernatremia means high sodium levels, which can occur in renal failure due to reduced urine output, but it is also not directly related to hemodialysis.
Normal ranges for electrolytes are: Potassium: 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L
Sodium: 135 to 145 mmol/L
Calcium: 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL
Chloride: 96 to 106 mmol/L
Magnesium: 1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL
Phosphate: 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL
Bicarbonate: 22 to 29 mmol/L
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today