A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving furosemide to treat heart failure. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor for this client?

a. Determine the patency of the tubing: The first action should be to assess for any obstruction or kinks in the tubing. A blockage may be preventing the flow of urine.

b. Notify the provider: While notifying the provider may be necessary, assessing the tubing for patency is a more immediate action.

c. Offer oral fluids: While hydration is important, the priority is to ensure that the urinary catheter is functioning properly.

d. Administer a prescribed analgesic: Pain management is important postoperatively, but the

immediate concern is the lack of urinary output, which requires assessment and intervention to rule out catheter obstruction.

a. Blood glucose 150 mg/dL: While elevated blood glucose may be a concern, potassium levels are more critical in the context of acute gastroenteritis, which can lead to fluid and electrolyte

imbalances.

b. Urine specific gravity 1.035: Elevated urine specific gravity indicates concentrated urine and possible dehydration. However, the low potassium level takes precedence as it can lead to

serious cardiac complications.

c. Weight loss of 3% of total body weight: Weight loss is a concern, but the immediate risk of hypokalemia (low potassium) takes priority.

d. Potassium 2.5 mEq/L: This low potassium level is a critical finding that requires prompt attention, as it can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias and other serious complications.