A client was seen in the emergency room with a complaint of severe episodes of vomiting and diarrhea, and complains of feeling lightheaded.
Which laboratory test should the nurse prioritize?

Choice A rationale

Visible signs of bone healing on an X-ray would not be expected after Buck's traction. Healing takes longer to become visible on an X-ray.

Choice B rationale

Increased swelling and redness would indicate complications such as infection or thrombophlebitis, not the effectiveness of traction.

Choice C rationale

Improved range of motion would not typically be expected while Buck's traction is in place. The primary purpose is to reduce pain and immobilize the fracture.

Choice D rationale

Decrease in hip pain is a direct indicator of the effectiveness of Buck's traction in alleviating symptoms and preventing further injury to the fractured femur.

Choice B rationale

Potassium levels should be reviewed before administering furosemide. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause significant potassium loss through increased urine output. Monitoring potassium is crucial to prevent hypokalemia, which can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and other serious complications.

Choice A rationale

Bicarbonate levels are not directly impacted by furosemide use and are less critical to review in this context. While they are important in assessing acid-base balance, they are not the primary concern when administering furosemide.

Choice C rationale

Phosphate levels are not typically affected by furosemide and are not the main focus before administration. Monitoring phosphate might be important in other scenarios, but it is not directly relevant here.

Choice D rationale

Carbon dioxide levels are more relevant to respiratory function and acid-base balance but are not directly impacted by furosemide. The focus should be on monitoring electrolytes, particularly potassium, to prevent complications from diuretic therapy.