A client with heart failure reports increased shortness of breath. The nurse administered furosemide 20 mg IV 60 minutes ago. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?
A Administer albuterol via nebulizer.
Listen to the lungs fields.
Measure urine output.
Review serum potassium.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Administering albuterol may help if the shortness of breath is due to bronchospasm, but the priority in heart failure is to assess fluid status and respiratory function.
B. Listening to lung fields is crucial to assess for signs of pulmonary edema, which is a common complication in heart failure. This assessment helps determine the effectiveness of the furosemide and whether further intervention is needed.
C. Measuring urine output is important but secondary to assessing respiratory status.
D. Reviewing serum potassium is important but not as urgent as assessing the client's respiratory status.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The combination of glucose and insulin is used to shift potassium into cells, which would lower serum potassium levels further; this is not appropriate for treating hypokalemia.
B. Increasing dietary intake of potassium is important but not sufficient to correct a serum potassium level as low as 2.5 mEq/L, which requires more immediate intervention.
C. A potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L is critically low and can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. The healthcare provider should be informed immediately to initiate potassium replacement therapy, likely via intravenous infusion.
D. Hourly urinary output measurements may be useful but are not the immediate priority in treating severe hypokalemia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, significantly increases the risk of aspiration, especially when consuming a full liquid diet that may not be easily controlled in the mouth. Aspiration can lead to serious complications, such as aspiration pneumonia.
B. Oxygen administration via a face mask does not typically increase the risk of aspiration unless the client has underlying conditions affecting swallowing.
C. Sensory aphasia affects communication but does not directly impact the swallowing mechanism, so it poses less risk of aspiration compared to dysphagia.
D. While clients with a nasogastric tube may be at some risk for aspiration, the risk is lower compared to a client with dysphagia actively consuming liquids.
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