A nurse is preparing to instill an otic suspension into an adult client's ear.

Which of the following methods should the nurse plan to use?

A. You have the right to refuse the recommended treatment plan.

As a nurse, it’s essential to respect the autonomy and decision-making capacity of your patients. Patients have the right to make informed choices about their own healthcare, including whether to accept or decline treatment recommendations. By acknowledging the patient’s right to refuse treatment, you empower them to be active participants in their care.

B.Option b is not the correct answer because it focuses on informing the provider without addressing the client's concerns or providing guidance.

C.Option c is not the correct answer because it emphasizes the medical consequences of not treating the cancer without acknowledging the client's personal beliefs or values.

D. In cases like yours, it is best to talk with your clergyperson before deciding this.

While option D acknowledges the importance of seeking emotional and spiritual support during difficult decisions, it does not directly address the patient’s right to refuse treatment. As a nurse, your primary responsibility is to respect the patient’s autonomy and provide accurate information about their treatment options. Encouraging open communication with a clergyperson or any other trusted individual can be beneficial, but it should not override the patient’s right to make their own decisions regarding their healthcare.

Answer: A. Potassium

Rationale:

A) Potassium:

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause significant potassium loss through increased urine output. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent hypokalemia, which can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Ensuring potassium levels remain within a normal range helps maintain the infant's overall health and safety while on this medication.

B) WBC Count:

While it is important to monitor WBC count in various clinical situations, furosemide does not typically affect white blood cell levels. Therefore, monitoring WBC count is not specifically indicated for infants receiving furosemide unless there is another underlying condition that requires it.

C) Iron:

Iron levels are not typically affected by furosemide. Monitoring iron levels would be more relevant in cases of anemia or other hematologic conditions. Furosemide does not interfere with iron metabolism, so this test is not a priority for infants on this medication.

D) Amylase:

Amylase is an enzyme related to the pancreas and is typically monitored in conditions such as pancreatitis. Furosemide does not have a direct effect on amylase levels, so monitoring this enzyme is not necessary for infants receiving this diuretic. The focus should be on electrolytes, particularly potassium.