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 D
Explanation
A. Constipation: Constipation is not a common adverse effect of Atenolol, which is a beta- blocker.
B. Cough: Cough is more commonly associated with ACE inhibitors rather than beta-blockers like Atenolol.
C. Tremor: Tremor is not typically an adverse effect of Atenolol; beta-blockers can actually be used to treat essential tremors.
D. Bradycardia: Atenolol, as a beta-blocker, can slow the heart rate, leading to bradycardia, which is a well-documented adverse effect.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Client develops petechiae on the arms, legs, and abdomen: Petechiae can indicate thrombocytopenia, which may be a complication of heparin therapy but is not an urgent concern unless severe or associated with bleeding.
B. Health care provider orders Coumadin 2.5 mg P.O. to begin today: Coumadin (warfarin) is often initiated as a bridge therapy or overlap with heparin therapy in pulmonary embolism management. This order is not necessarily inappropriate and may be part of the treatment plan.
C. Client develops slight ecchymosis at the venipuncture site: Ecchymosis at the venipuncture site can occur due to minor trauma during the insertion of IV lines or blood draws and is not necessarily indicative of a complication requiring immediate notification of the healthcare provider.
D. Client's partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is 70 seconds and the control is 25-40 seconds: A significantly elevated PTT indicates a potential overdose of heparin, putting the client at risk of bleeding complications. This finding warrants immediate notification of the healthcare provider for further evaluation and possible adjustment of heparin therapy.
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.