A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is to receive a series of allergy tests. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid which of the following medications for up to 4 weeks before the procedure?

A. INR 1.0: The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is a measure of blood clotting. A value of 1.0 is within the normal range, so there is no immediate concern related to furosemide administration based on this INR value.
B. WBC count 8,000/mm³: The white blood cell count is not directly related to furosemide administration, and the value of 8,000/mm³ is within the normal range. There is no immediate concern based on this WBC count.
C. Sodium 141 mEq/L: The sodium level is within the normal range, and it is not a contraindication for furosemide administration.
D. Potassium 2.5 mEq/L: A potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L is significantly below the normal range. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium loss, and administering it when the potassium level is already low can further decrease potassium levels, potentially leading to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, the nurse should withhold the medication and contact the provider to address the low potassium level before administering furosemide.

A. Increased blood pressure: Heparin does not typically directly affect blood pressure. However, if there are other underlying conditions or complications related to the reason for heparin use, it might indirectly influence blood pressure. But a high aPTT level itself wouldn't directly cause an increase in blood pressure.
B. Decreased temperature: Heparin does not usually affect body temperature. Changes in temperature might occur due to other factors, but they are not directly related to heparin administration or its effects on aPTT.
C. Decreased respiratory rate: Heparin does not typically affect the respiratory rate directly. Changes in respiratory rate might occur due to other causes but are not directly correlated with heparin administration or its effects on aPTT.
D. Increased pulse rate: Heparin, especially when aPTT is elevated, might indicate that the blood is less likely to clot. An increased pulse rate could be indicative of compensatory mechanisms due to potential bleeding or changes in clotting factors influenced by heparin. It's essential to monitor for an increased pulse rate as a potential sign of bleeding complications associated with anticoagulant therapy.