A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and a potassium level of 2.4 mEq/L. The nurse should identify which of the following medications as contributing to this lab value?
Nitroglycerin
Metoprolol
Spironolactone
Furosemide
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason : Nitroglycerin is used to treat angina pectoris and does not typically cause a decrease in potassium levels¹.
Choice B reason : Metoprolol is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure but is not known to significantly affect potassium levels¹.
Choice C reason : Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic and would not contribute to low potassium levels; it is more likely to cause hyperkalemia¹.
Choice D reason : Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to hypokalemia by increasing the excretion of potassium in the urine. It is known to contribute to low potassium levels and should be identified as the medication affecting this lab value¹².
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A reason : Morphine sulfate is used intravenously in acute heart failure with pulmonary edema because it can reduce preload and afterload, thereby decreasing the work of the heart and improving breathing.
Choice B reason : Administering oxygen is crucial for a client with pulmonary edema to improve oxygenation and relieve symptoms of hypoxia.
Choice C reason : Transporting the client to the coronary care unit is appropriate for continuous monitoring and management of acute heart failure and pulmonary edema.
Choice D reason : While placing the client in a high Fowler's position is recommended to ease breathing, the low Fowler's side-lying position is not typically indicated for pulmonary edema. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice E reason : Inserting a Foley catheter can help monitor urine output, especially important when administering diuretics like furosemide, and manage fluid status.
Choice F reason : Administering furosemide (Lasix), a diuretic, helps to reduce fluid overload and relieve pulmonary congestion in clients with heart failure and pulmonary edema.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason : Elevating the head of the bed to 20 degrees can help reduce intracranial pressure by promoting venous drainage from the brain. It is a recommended practice unless contraindicated by other conditions³.
Choice B reason : Cleansing the eyes with normal saline every 4 hours is a standard care procedure to maintain eye hygiene and prevent infection, especially when the blink reflex may be compromised in an unconscious patient³.
Choice C reason : Lubricating the skin with baby oil is a common practice to prevent dryness and maintain skin integrity. It is not contraindicated unless the patient has specific allergies or skin conditions that require different care³.
Choice D reason : Suctioning the oropharynx routinely is contraindicated as it can stimulate the vagus nerve and potentially increase intracranial pressure. Suctioning should be performed cautiously and only when necessary³.
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