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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
U waves are not a sign of high potassium level, but rather of low potassium level (hypokalemia) Hypokalemia can cause ST segment depression, T wave flattening or inversion, and prominent U waves.
Choice B reason:
Absent P waves are not a sign of high potassium level, but rather of a severe conduction block or atrial fibrillation. High potassium level can cause P wave widening or flattening, and PR prolongation, but not complete disappearance of P waves.
Choice C reason:
Elevated T waves are the most common and earliest sign of high potassium level (hyperkalemia) Hyperkalemia can cause tall, peaked, symmetric T waves that may merge with the QRS complex. This is the correct answer.
Choice D reason:
Inverted QRS complexes are not a sign of high potassium level, but rather of ventricular arrhythmias or myocardial infarction. High potassium level can cause QRS widening and bizarre QRS morphology, but not inversion.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Decreased serum pH. This is incorrect because hypokalemia usually causes increased serum pH, not decreased. This is because low potassium levels can lead to metabolic alkalosis, a condition where the blood is too alkaline due to loss of acid from the body. This can happen in cases of vomiting, diuretic use, or mineralocorticoid excess.
Choice B:
Increased serum calcium. This is incorrect because hypokalemia does not directly affect serum calcium levels. However, hypokalemia can cause hypomagnesemia, or low magnesium levels, which can in turn cause hypercalcemia, or high calcium levels. This is because magnesium is needed for the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium balance in the body. Low magnesium levels can lead to increased PTH secretion and increased calcium reabsorption from the bones and kidneys.
Choice C:
Decreased serum magnesium. This is correct because hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia often occur together, especially in cases of chronic diarrhea, malabsorption, alcoholism, or diuretic use. This is because potassium and magnesium are both lost in the urine or stool when these conditions are present. Hypomagnesemia can also cause hypokalemia by impairing the reabsorption of potassium in the kidneys and increasing the entry of potassium into the cells.
Choice D:
Increased serum bicarbonate. This is incorrect because hypokalemia usually causes decreased serum bicarbonate, not increased. This is because low potassium levels can lead to metabolic acidosis, a condition where the blood is too acidic due to accumulation of acid in the body. This can happen in cases of diabetic ketoacidosis, renal tubular acidosis, or chronic kidney disease.
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.