A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving intravenous therapy. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as a manifestation of fluid volume excess?

Furosemide is a diuretic that is used to treat heart failure by reducing fluid retention and lowering blood pressure. It can cause some side effects, such as increased urination, thirst, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, nausea, and electrolyte imbalance.

Choice A is wrong because BUN (blood urea nitrogen) is a measure of kidney function and a normal range is 7 to 20 mg/dL.

A BUN of 15 mg/dL is not a cause for concern and does not indicate any adverse effect of furosemide.

Choice C is wrong because potassium is an electrolyte that is important for nerve and muscle function and a normal range is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.

Potassium of 3.8 mEq/L is within the normal range and does not indicate any adverse effect of furosemide. However, furosemide can cause low potassium levels (hypokalemia) in some cases, so the nurse should monitor the client’s potassium levels regularly and advise the client to eat foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, and potatoes.

Choice D is wrong because dizziness upon standing is a common side effect of furosemide and does not require immediate notification of the provider. However, the nurse should instruct the client to rise slowly from a sitting or lying position to prevent falls and to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration.

Choice B is correct because difficulty hearing or hearing loss is a rare but serious side effect of furosemide that may indicate ototoxicity (damage to the inner ear). This can be irreversible if not treated promptly and may affect the client’s quality of life and safety. The nurse should notify the provider immediately if the client reports difficulty hearing or any other signs of ototoxicity, such as ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or vertigo (a sensation of spinning). The provider may need to adjust the dose of furosemide or switch to another diuretic that is less ototoxic.

A therapeutic effect of naloxone is the reversal of opioid-induced respiratory depression, which is one of the most dangerous complications of opioid overdose. Naloxone works by binding to opioid receptors, displacing opioids, and restoring normal respiratory drive. An increase in respiratory rate after administration indicates that naloxone is effective.

Choice A is wrong because decreased blood pressure is not a therapeutic effect of naloxone.

In fact, naloxone can cause hypertension (high blood pressure) as a side effect due to opioid withdrawal.

Choice B is wrong because decreased nausea is not a therapeutic effect of naloxone. Nausea is a common side effect of morphine, but naloxone does not affect it directly.

Naloxone can actually cause nausea and vomiting as a side effect due to opioid withdrawal.

Choice D is wrong because increased pain relief is not a therapeutic effect of naloxone.

Pain relief is a desired effect of morphine, but naloxone antagonizes it by blocking the opioid receptors.

Naloxone can cause pain and discomfort as a side effect due to opioid withdrawal.