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 ["A","C"]
Explanation
Losartan (Cozaar) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that is used to treat heart failure by lowering blood pressure and reducing fluid retention.
Patients taking losartan should:
• Weigh themselves every morning and report any changes.
This helps to monitor fluid status and detect signs of worsening heart failure.Weight gain of more than 2 kg (4.4 lb) in a week or 1 kg (2.2 lb) in a day should be reported to the health care provider.
• Call their doctor if they have a sore throat or fever.This could indicate an infection or a rare but serious side effect of losartan called angioedema, which causes swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
The other choices are wrong because:
• Losartan does not need to be taken with food to prevent stomach upset.It can be taken with or without food.
• Losartan does not increase the sensitivity to sunlight.However, some other medications for heart failure, such as diuretics, may do so.
• Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated is not recommended for patients with heart failure, as it may worsen fluid retention and overload the heart.Patients should follow their prescribed fluid restriction and limit their sodium intake.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B is wrong because “I will eat more green leafy vegetables.” This statement indicates a need for further teaching because green leafy vegetables are high in vitamin K, which can antagonize the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of clotting.The client should be advised to maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K and avoid sudden changes in their diet.
Choice A is wrong because using an electric razor for shaving is a safe practice for a client who is receiving warfarin, as it reduces the risk of bleeding from cuts or nicks.
Choice C is wrong because checking stools for blood is an important measure for a client who is receiving warfarin, as it can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a serious adverse effect of the medication.
Choice D is wrong because having blood drawn regularly is necessary for a client who is receiving warfarin, as it allows the monitoring of the international normalized ratio (INR), which reflects the degree of anticoagulation and guides the dosage adjustment of the medication.
The normal range for INR for a client who is receiving warfarin is 2 to 3, unless otherwise specified by the provider.
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