A nurse is evaluating a client who has fluid volume overload and received furosemide 40 mg IV bolus 1 hr ago. Which of the following findings indicates that the medication was effective?
The client reports increased thirst.
The client's urine output is 250 mL/hr.
The client's heart rate is 100/min.
The client's weight is unchanged.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
The client reports increased thirst. This is not an indication that the medication was effective, because increased thirst can be a sign of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance caused by excessive diuresis. Furosemide can cause loss of water and sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride in the urine.
Choice B reason:
The client's urine output is 250 mL/hr. This is an indication that the medication was effective, because furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits the reabsorption of sodium and water in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle, resulting in increased urine output and decreased fluid volume. A normal urine output is about 30 to 60 mL/hr, so a urine output of 250 mL/hr indicates a significant diuretic effect.
Choice C reason:
The client's heart rate is 100/min. This is not an indication that the medication was effective, because a high heart rate can be a sign of hypovolemia, hypotension, or cardiac stress caused by furosemide. Furosemide can lower the blood pressure and reduce the preload and afterload on the heart, but it can also trigger compensatory mechanisms such as increased sympathetic activity and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation, which can increase the heart rate.
Choice D reason:
The client's weight is unchanged. This is not an indication that the medication was effective, because weight loss is expected with furosemide therapy due to fluid removal. Furosemide can cause a rapid and significant reduction in fluid volume, which can be measured by daily weight changes. A weight loss of 1 kg corresponds to a fluid loss of about 1 L.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Decreased urine specific gravity indicates improvement in hydration status. Urine specific gravity is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the urine. It reflects the ability of the kidney to concentrate or dilute urine. A high urine specific gravity (>1.030) indicates concentrated urine, which can be caused by dehydration, reduced renal blood flow, or increased fluid loss. A low urine specific gravity (<1.010) indicates diluted urine, which can be caused by overhydration, diuretic use, or impaired renal function. A normal urine specific gravity ranges from 1.010 to 1.030.
Choice B reason:
Increased hematocrit level indicates worsening of dehydration. Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume. It is affected by the plasma volume and the number of red blood cells. A high hematocrit (>47% for males and >42% for females) indicates hemoconcentration, which can be caused by dehydration, polycythemia, or hypoxia. A low hematocrit (<37% for males and <32% for females) indicates hemodilution, which can be caused by overhydration, anemia, or hemorrhage. A normal hematocrit ranges from 37% to 47% for males and 32% to 42% for females.
Choice C reason:
Decreased skin turgor indicates persistent dehydration. Skin turgor is the elasticity of the skin that reflects its hydration status. It is assessed by pinching a fold of skin on the chest, abdomen, or forearm and releasing it. Normally, the skin should return to its original position in less than 3 seconds. If the skin remains elevated or takes longer to return, it indicates poor skin turgor, which can be caused by dehydration, aging, or edema.
Choice D reason:
Increased serum osmolarity indicates worsening of dehydration. Serum osmolarity is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the blood plasma. It reflects the balance between water and electrolytes in the body fluids. A high serum osmolarity (>300 mOsm/kg) indicates hyperosmolarity, which can be caused by dehydration, hypernatremia, hyperglycemia, or mannitol infusion. A low serum osmolarity (<280 mOsm/kg) indicates hypoosmolarity, which can be caused by overhydration, hyponatremia, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), or diuretic use. A normal serum osmolarity ranges from 280 to 300 mOsm/kg.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Administer the solution via a central line. This is correct because 3% sodium chloride solution is a hypertonic solution that can cause phlebitis and tissue damage if infused peripherally. A central line can deliver the solution more safely and effectively.
Choice B reason:
Monitor serum sodium levels every 4 hours. This is correct because serum sodium levels can indicate the effectiveness of the therapy and the risk of complications such as hypernatremia or cerebral edema. The normal range of serum sodium is 135 to 145 mEq/L.
Choice C reason:
Titrate the infusion rate according to urine output. This is incorrect because the infusion rate of 3% sodium chloride solution should be titrated according to serum sodium levels, not urine output. Urine output can be affected by other factors such as renal function, fluid intake, and diuretics.
Choice D reason:
Assess for signs of fluid overload. This is correct because 3% sodium chloride solution can cause fluid shifts from the intracellular and interstitial spaces to the intravascular space, leading to fluid overload. Signs of fluid overload include cough, dyspnea, crackles, tachypnea, tachycardia, elevated blood pressure, bounding pulse, elevated central venous pressure (CVP), weight gain, edema, neck and hand vein distention, altered level of consciousness, and decreased hematocrit.
Choice E reason:
Keep an accurate intake and output record. This is correct because intake and output records can help monitor the fluid balance and identify any excesses or deficits. Intake includes oral fluids, intravenous fluids, tube feedings, and blood products. Output includes urine, stool, vomitus, drainage, and insensible losses.
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