A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for furosemide, which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse monitor?

Rationale:

• Antibiotic: Administering an antibiotic addresses the underlying infection, which is likely causing the fever, low blood pressure, and altered mental status. Prompt antibiotic treatment reduces the risk of progression to septic shock. Early intervention improves patient outcomes in suspected sepsis.

• Antipyretic: An antipyretic helps reduce fever but does not treat the underlying infection. Lowering the temperature alone would not address the systemic inflammatory response seen in sepsis. This option does not prevent clinical deterioration.

• Anti-anxiety medication: An anti-anxiety medication may temporarily calm the patient but can worsen confusion and mask signs of deterioration. It does not treat the infection or improve hemodynamic status. This is inappropriate in suspected sepsis.

• Suspected surgical site infection and sepsis: The inflamed, draining surgical wound, fever, hypotension, and high WBC strongly indicate a developing infection. Mental status changes are also typical in sepsis. This makes infection the most urgent concern requiring antibiotic therapy.

• Elevated temperature and heart rate: While these signs are concerning, they are common with many conditions and not specific to sepsis. They are part of the clinical picture but not the driving reason for immediate antibiotic treatment.

• History of Parkinson’s disease and confusion: The confusion may partly relate to Parkinson’s or sensory impairment, but acute mental status changes with fever and hypotension suggest sepsis. Parkinson’s is chronic and not the immediate priority.

Rationale:

A. "I will wait 1 hour after getting up in the morning to have breakfast.": Delaying breakfast may worsen nausea, as symptoms of hyperemesis gravidarum are often worse in the morning. It is recommended to eat a small, dry carbohydrate-rich snack, such as crackers, soon after waking.

B. "I will try to eat balanced meals instead of only foods that appeal to my taste.": While balanced meals are ideal, during hyperemesis gravidarum, the priority is tolerating any nutrition. Clients are encouraged to eat whatever foods they can tolerate, as nutritional intake is often severely limited.

C. “I will eat or drink something every 2 to 3 hours throughout the day": Eating or drinking small amounts frequently helps prevent an empty stomach, which can trigger or worsen nausea and vomiting. This approach improves tolerance and supports hydration and nutrition.

D. “I will eat a low protein snack 30 minutes before going to bed each night.": Protein-rich snacks, not low-protein ones, are better for stabilizing blood glucose levels overnight and may help reduce morning nausea. A high-protein snack before bed is more appropriate.