A nurse is reinforcing teaching with the parent of an infant who is receiving furosemide. The nurse should reinforce with the parent that which of the following laboratory tests will be monitored while the infant is receiving this medication?
Potassium
b. WBC Count
Iron
Amylase
The Correct Answer is A
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
c. Dispose of the used needle immediately in a sharps container.
The nurse should dispose of the used needle immediately in a sharps container to reduce the risk of a needlestick injury. Sharps containers are specifically designed for the safe disposal of needles and other sharp objects. By placing the used needle directly into a sharps container, the nurse eliminates the need for handling or manipulating the needle further, reducing the risk of accidental needlestick injuries.
Explanation for the other options:
a. Place a cap holder securely on the used needle before disposal: Cap holders are not recommended for securing used needles before disposal. They may not provide adequate protection against needlestick injuries and can potentially increase the risk of accidental needlesticks when atempting to secure the cap holder.
b. Recap the needle for disposal later: Recapping the needle increases the risk of a needlestick injury. It is generally not recommended to recap needles after use, as it poses a greater risk of accidental puncture.
d. Detach the used needle and dispose of it promptly: Detaching the needle from the syringe before disposal is not recommended, as it increases the risk of a needlestick injury. It is safer to dispose of the needle and syringe as a unit in a sharps container to minimize the risk of accidental puncture.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The presence of alcohol on a nurse's breath raises concerns regarding impairment and the potential for compromised patient safety. It is crucial to prioritize patient safety and prevent any potential harm. Removing the nurse from the client care area ensures that immediate patient safety is addressed and minimizes the risk of any adverse events.
Call the supervisor to ask for another nurse: While involving the supervisor is important, it should not be the first action taken in this situation. The immediate priority is to address patient safety by removing the nurse from the client care area.
Assign clients to the remaining staff: Assigning clients to the remaining staff should not be the first action taken because it may compromise patient safety if the nurse in question is impaired. It is important to ensure that the nurse is removed from the client care area before reassigning the clients to other staff members.
Document objective findings about the situation: Documenting the objective findings about the situation is important for accurate record-keeping and reporting. However, it should not be the first action taken when immediate patient safety is at stake. Removing the nurse from the client care area is the priority.
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