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
Explanation
Digoxin (Lanoxin) is a cardiac glycoside that is used to treat atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
It works by increasing the force of cardiac contraction and slowing down the heart rate.
However, digoxin can also cause toxicity, which can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias.
One of the risk factors for digoxin toxicity is hypokalemia, or low serum potassium level.
Potassium is an electrolyte that is essential for normal cardiac function and conduction.When the serum potassium level is low, digoxin binds more strongly to the cardiac cells and increases its effects, which can result in bradycardia, heart block, or ventricular tachycardia.
Therefore, the nurse should monitor the serum potassium level to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of digoxin therapy.
Choice B) Serum sodium level is wrong because sodium is not directly related to digoxin action or toxicity.
Sodium is another electrolyte that is important for fluid balance and blood pressure regulation.However, sodium does not affect the binding of digoxin to the cardiac cells or its effects on the heart rate and contractility.
Therefore, the nurse does not need to monitor the serum sodium level to evaluate digoxin therapy.
Choice C) Serum magnesium level is wrong because magnesium is not directly related to digoxin action or toxicity.
Magnesium is another electrolyte that is involved in many enzymatic reactions and neuromuscular function.However, magnesium does not affect the binding of digoxin to the cardiac cells or its effects on the heart rate and contractility.
Therefore, the nurse does not need to monitor the serum magnesium level to evaluate digoxin therapy.
Choice D) Serum calcium level is wrong because calcium is not directly related to digoxin action or toxicity.
Calcium is another electrolyte that is essential for bone health and muscle contraction.However, calcium does not affect the binding of digoxin to the cardiac cells or its effects on the heart rate and contractility.
Therefore, the nurse does not need to monitor the serum calcium level to evaluate digoxin therapy.
The normal range for serum potassium level is 3.5-5.0 mEq
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
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.