A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has chronic heart failure and is prescribed furosemide, a loop diuretic. Which of the following dietary modifications should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)
Increase intake of foods high in potassium.
Decrease intake of foods high in sodium.
Increase intake of foods high in calcium.
Decrease intake of foods high in protein.
Increase intake of fluids as tolerated.
Correct Answer : A,B
Choice A reason:
Furosemide is a potassium-wasting diuretic that may reduce the potassium level in your blood. To counteract the loss of potassium, you should try to eat enough potassium-rich foods in your diet. Some examples of potassium-rich foods include bananas, orange juice, apricots, acorn squash, butternut squash, Hubbard squash, prunes, raisins, and bran products.
Choice B reason:
Furosemide is used to treat high blood pressure and edema by causing the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine. To enhance the effect of furosemide and prevent fluid retention, you should decrease intake of foods high in sodium. Some examples of sodium-rich foods include processed meats, canned soups, pickles, cheese, salted nuts, and snack foods.
Choice C reason:
Furosemide does not affect the calcium level in your blood significantly. Therefore, there is no need to increase intake of foods high in calcium when taking furosemide. However, you should still consume adequate amounts of calcium for your bone health and other functions. Some examples of calcium-rich foods include milk, yogurt, cheese, broccoli, kale, and fortified cereals.
Choice D reason:
Furosemide does not affect the protein level in your blood significantly. Therefore, there is no need to decrease intake of foods high in protein when taking furosemide. However, you should still consume moderate amounts of protein for your muscle health and other functions. Some examples of protein-rich foods include eggs, fish, poultry, meat, beans, nuts, and seeds.
Choice E reason:
Furosemide can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance by increasing urine output. Therefore, you should increase intake of fluids as tolerated to prevent these complications. You should drink enough water to keep your urine clear or pale yellow. You should also avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can worsen dehydration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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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