A nurse is providing postoperative teaching to an older adult patient who has undergone a transurethral resection of the prostate.
Which of the following statements should be included in the teaching?

The nurse should clarify the prescription for Furosemide due to the client’s 2. Potassium level. The client’s potassium level is 3.2 mEq/L, which is below the normal range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. This could indicate hypokalemia, a condition that can cause weakness, fatigue, and heart rhythm problems. Therefore, it would be important for the nurse to clarify the prescription for potassium chloride, which is a medication used to treat or prevent low potassium levels. Please note that this is an assessment based on the information provided

Furosemide, also known as a loop diuretic, works by inhibiting the Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter in the ascending thick loop of Henle in the kidneys1. This part of the kidney is responsible for reabsorbing sodium, chloride, and potassium from the urine back into the body1.

When Furosemide inhibits this process, it leads to an increase in the amount of these electrolytes in the urine, which in turn leads to their decreased levels in the body1. This is why Furosemide can cause a decrease in potassium levels in the body, a condition known as hypokalemia23.

It’s important to note that while Furosemide helps in relieving the body of excess fluid, its use may lead to the depletion of certain electrolytes in the body, such as potassium3. Therefore, if you are taking Furosemide, your doctor may need to monitor your potassium levels or have you consume more potassium4.

Choice A rationale

Unscrewing the pins to clean the pin sites is not recommended. This could lead to infection and disrupt the traction.

Choice B rationale

Loosening the rope knots holding the weights for 30 minutes if the patient reports pain is not recommended. The weights provide the necessary force to align and immobilize the body part and should not be removed.

Choice C rationale

Ensuring that at least 4.5 kg (10 lb) of weight is applied to the patient’s traction is a correct action. The amount of weight applied must be sufficient to provide the necessary force for alignment.

Choice D rationale

Removing the weights while turning the patient in bed is not recommended. The weights must remain in place to maintain the therapeutic effect of the traction.