A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is prescribed furosemide. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor closely?
Serum potassium
Serum calcium
Serum albumin
Serum glucose.
The Correct Answer is A
The nurse should monitor the client’s serum potassium level closely because furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia, which increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and digitalis toxicity. The nurse should also monitor the client’s fluid status, blood pressure, and renal function.
Choice B is wrong because Serum calcium is wrong because furosemide does not affect calcium levels significantly. Calcium levels are more likely to be affected by thiazide diuretics, which can cause hypercalcemia.
Choice C is wrong because Serum albumin is wrong because furosemide does not affect albumin levels significantly. Albumin levels are more likely to be affected by liver disease, malnutrition, or nephrotic syndrome.
Choice D is wrong because Serum glucose is wrong because furosemide does not affect glucose levels significantly. Glucose levels are more likely to be affected by diabetes mellitus, corticosteroids, or stress.
Normal ranges for the laboratory values are:
• Serum potassium: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
• Serum calcium: 8.5-10.5 mg/dL
• Serum albumin: 3.5-5.0 g/dL
• Serum glucose: 70-110 mg/dL
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) block the binding of angiotensin II to its receptors on blood vessels and adrenal glands, preventing its vasoconstrictive and aldosterone-stimulating effects
Choice A is wrong because beta blockers do not block angiotensin II receptors, but rather beta-adrenergic receptors, which are involved in the sympathetic nervous system.Beta blockers reduce heart rate and blood pressure by inhibiting the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline
Choice B is wrong because calcium channel blockers do not block angiotensin II receptors, but rather calcium channels, which are involved in the contraction of smooth muscle cells.Calcium channel blockers relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure by reducing the influx of calcium into the cells
Choice D is wrong because direct acting vasodilators do not block angiotensin II receptors, but rather act directly on the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels, causing them to relax and dilate.Direct acting vasodilators lower blood pressure by decreasing peripheral resistance
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the workload of the heart.
The following instructions should be included in the teaching:
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, flushing, headache, and low blood pressure.
• Monitor your blood pressure and pulse regularly.This will help to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication and detect any abnormal changes.Normal blood pressure for adults is less than 130/80 mm Hg and normal pulse rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute.
• Report any swelling in your ankles or feet to your provider.This can be a sign of fluid retention or heart failure, which are possible complications of nifedipine.
• Do not stop taking this medication abruptly.This can cause a rebound increase in blood pressure and chest pain.The dose should be tapered gradually under the supervision of the provider.
Choice E is wrong because chewing or crushing the sustained-release tablet can cause too much of the drug to be released at once, which can lead to overdose or severe side effects.
The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.
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