A nurse is caring for a client who is taking furosemide (Lasix) daily to treat heart failure. The nurse recognizes that the client is at risk for which electrolyte imbalance?
Hypokalemia
Hypocalcemia
Hypernatremia
Hyperkalemia
The Correct Answer is A
A. Hypokalemia: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that works by increasing urinary excretion of sodium, chloride, and water, which can lead to potassium loss. Hypokalemia is a common electrolyte imbalance associated with the use of loop diuretics like furosemide. Potassium depletion can cause various complications, including cardiac dysrhythmias, muscle weakness, and fatigue.
B. Hypocalcemia: Furosemide does not directly affect calcium levels, so hypocalcemia is not a common electrolyte imbalance associated with its use.
C. Hypernatremia: Furosemide promotes the excretion of sodium, so hypernatremia (elevated serum sodium levels) is not typically a concern with its use.
D. Hyperkalemia: Furosemide can cause potassium loss, so hyperkalemia is not a risk associated with its use.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Administration of erythropoietin (Epoetin): In chronic renal disease, the kidneys may not produce enough erythropoietin, leading to anemia. Epoetin is a synthetic form of erythropoietin that stimulates red blood cell production and is commonly used to treat anemia in these clients.
B. Transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs): While transfusion of RBCs may be necessary in severe cases of anemia or acute blood loss, it is not the first-line treatment for anemia related to chronic renal disease. Erythropoietin-stimulating agents are preferred to stimulate endogenous RBC production.
C. Weekly monitoring of complete blood count (CBC): Monitoring of CBC is important to assess the response to treatment and adjust therapy as needed but does not represent a specific treatment for anemia in chronic renal disease.
D. An order for iron replacement medication: Iron replacement may be indicated if iron deficiency is contributing to the anemia, but it is not the primary treatment for anemia in chronic renal disease. Erythropoietin-stimulating agents are typically used first to address the underlying cause of anemia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Dyspnea: Worsening dyspnea may indicate complications such as heart failure or embolization of infectious material to the lungs, which can occur in infective endocarditis as a result of vegetation formation on heart valves. Dyspnea can suggest decreased cardiac output or pulmonary involvement, indicating a worsening condition.
B. Malaise: Malaise is a nonspecific symptom that is common in infective endocarditis due to systemic infection and inflammation. While it can be present in both mild and severe cases, it may not specifically indicate worsening of the condition without other signs of deterioration.
C. Fever: Fever is a hallmark symptom of infective endocarditis and may persist or worsen with progressive infection. However, fever alone may not necessarily indicate worsening if the client is already febrile due to the underlying infection.
D. Anorexia: Anorexia or loss of appetite can occur in infective endocarditis due to systemic illness but may not specifically indicate worsening without other signs of deterioration. It is important to assess for other signs of worsening condition, such as hemodynamic instability or embolic events, in conjunction with anorexia.
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