A client who is taking furosemide reports experiencing leg cramps, a cough, feeling tired, and palpitations. Which action should the nurse take first?
Apply warm compresses to legs.
Monitor intake and output.
Raise the head of the bed.
Place on cardiac monitoring.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Apply warm compresses to legs:
While leg cramps can be uncomfortable, addressing them with warm compresses does not address the potential underlying issues related to the client's symptoms, especially considering the possibility of more severe conditions.
B. Monitor intake and output:
Monitoring intake and output is important in managing fluid balance, especially with diuretics like furosemide. However, this action does not directly address the immediate concerns raised by symptoms like palpitations and a cough.
C. Raise the head of the bed:
Raising the head of the bed can be helpful if the client is experiencing shortness of breath or orthopnea. However, it does not address the need to evaluate cardiac function, which is crucial given the presence of palpitations and other symptoms.
D. Place on cardiac monitoring:
The client's symptoms—palpitations, cough, fatigue—could indicate significant electrolyte imbalances or cardiac issues, which are common with furosemide use. Cardiac monitoring is the most appropriate initial action to quickly identify and address any cardiac complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Check for correct placement of the patch behind the client's ear: While ensuring correct placement is important for the effectiveness of transdermal patches, the scopolamine patch is primarily used for motion sickness and nausea, not for pain relief. Checking placement does not address the client's pain, which is not the intended use of the medication.
B) Explain that the medication is not given to prevent pain: Scopolamine is used to prevent nausea and motion sickness, not to manage pain. The client’s pain is unrelated to the patch’s intended purpose. Educating the client about the medication's purpose and recommending appropriate pain management would address the issue effectively.
C) Advise the client that the effects of the medication have worn off: The scopolamine patch's effects for nausea or motion sickness would not typically wear off within four hours. The medication was not intended to address pain, so advising the client about its effectiveness for nausea rather than pain would be more appropriate.
D) Offer to apply a new transdermal patch to relieve the pain: Applying a new patch would not be effective for pain management, as scopolamine is not designed for pain relief. Instead, the focus should be on addressing the client's pain with suitable analgesics and explaining the purpose of the scopolamine patch.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Double the dose if a dose is missed:
This instruction is incorrect. Clients should not double their dose of allopurinol if they miss a dose. Instead, they should take the missed dose as soon as they remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose. Doubling the dose can lead to overdose and potential side effects.
B. Reduce caffeine and acidic intake:
Reducing caffeine and acidic foods can help manage gout and lower uric acid levels, making this advice appropriate.
C. Avoid taking on an empty stomach:
While allopurinol can be taken with or without food, some clients might find it less irritating if taken with food. This guidance is intended to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.
D. Consume 2 liters of water daily:
Drinking adequate fluids helps prevent kidney stones and promotes overall kidney health, which is especially important when taking allopurinol. This advice supports effective medication use and overall health.
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