A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is to start furosemide therapy for heart failure. Which of the following statements indicates that the client understands a potential adverse effect of this medication?
"I'm going to include more cantaloupe in my diet."
"I will check my pulse before I take the medication."
"I will try to limit foods that contain salt."
"I'll check my blood pressure so it doesn't get too high."
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Including more cantaloupe in the diet is a good practice for a client on furosemide therapy. Cantaloupe is high in potassium, and furosemide can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels) as it is a potent diuretic that increases urine production and the excretion of various electrolytes, including potassium. Therefore, consuming foods rich in potassium can help counteract this potential adverse effect.
Choice B reason: Checking the pulse before taking the medication is a general safety measure but does not directly relate to a specific adverse effect of furosemide. While it's important to monitor heart rate, especially in clients with heart failure, this statement does not reflect an understanding of the adverse effects related to furosemide.
Choice C reason: Trying to limit foods that contain salt is an appropriate action for a client with heart failure but is not directly related to an adverse effect of furosemide. Reducing salt intake can help manage heart failure by preventing fluid retention; however, it does not address the specific adverse effects of furosemide therapy.
Choice D reason: Checking blood pressure to ensure it doesn't get too high is important for clients with heart failure but does not indicate an understanding of the adverse effects of furosemide. Furosemide is used to reduce excess fluid in the body, which can lower blood pressure, not increase it. This statement does not reflect an understanding of furosemide's potential to cause electrolyte imbalances.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: While wearing gloves is a standard precaution to prevent contamination and protect the nurse from potential pathogens, the gloves used for collecting a guaiac smear sample do not need to be sterile. Clean, non-sterile gloves are typically sufficient for this procedure.
Choice B reason: It is crucial to discard any samples that contain urine because urine can interfere with the results of the fecal occult blood test (FOBT). The presence of urine can cause false positives due to the peroxidase activity in urine, which can lead to unnecessary further testing.
Choice C reason: Collecting three samples from a single bowel movement is not recommended. Instead, it is advised to collect samples from three separate bowel movements to increase the likelihood of detecting intermittent bleeding, which is common in conditions like colorectal cancer.
Choice D reason: Taking the sample from the outer edge of formed stool is not the best practice. The sample should be taken from different areas of the stool to ensure a representative sample, as blood may not be uniformly distributed throughout the stool.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Dry areas around the pins can be a normal finding if the pin sites are healing properly. It indicates that there is no excessive moisture that could promote bacterial growth and infection. However, the nurse should continue to monitor for any signs of redness, swelling, or pain that could indicate a developing infection.
Choice B reason: Crusts around the pins are typically a sign of dried exudate, which can be part of the normal healing process. The crusts should be monitored and cleaned according to the healthcare facility's protocol to prevent infection. If the crusts are accompanied by other signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or purulent drainage, they should be reported to the healthcare provider.
Choice C reason: Purulent drainage around the pins is a sign of infection and should be reported immediately to the unit care coordinator. Infections at pin sites can lead to complications such as osteomyelitis, delayed healing, or even systemic infection. Prompt intervention with appropriate cleaning and possibly antibiotics is necessary to prevent further complications.
Choice D reason: The absence of pain at the site can be a normal finding and is not typically a cause for concern unless there is an expectation of pain based on the patient's condition or recent procedures. However, a complete lack of sensation could indicate nerve damage or other issues, so the nurse should assess for other signs of neurovascular compromise and report any concerns to the healthcare provider.
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