A nurse is reviewing medication for a patient with a recent myocardial infarction. The physician has prescribed aspirin. What is the primary purpose of this medication in this context?

Choice A reason: Advise the client to avoid highfiber foods with the medication is not an appropriate intervention for a nurse to perform prior to administering Lasix to a client with heart failure. Lasix is a medication that increases the urine output and lowers the blood pressure by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidney. Lasix does not interact with highfiber foods or affect the digestion directly. Highfiber foods can actually help prevent or treat constipation, which can be a side effect of Lasix. The nurse should encourage the client to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, unless they have any dietary restrictions or allergies.

Choice B reason: Encourage the client to consume a potassium rich diet is not an appropriate intervention for a nurse to perform prior to administering Lasix to a client with heart failure. Lasix is a medication that increases the urine output and lowers the blood pressure by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidney. Lasix can also cause the loss of potassium in the urine, which can lead to hypokalemia, a condition that causes muscle weakness, cramps, arrhythmias, or cardiac arrest. The nurse should monitor the serum potassium level and administer potassium supplements or potassiumsparing diuretics as prescribed to prevent hypokalemia. Consuming a potassium rich diet may not be sufficient or safe to correct the potassium imbalance caused by Lasix, especially in clients with kidney impairment or other medications that affect the potassium level.

Choice C reason: Assess the client’s respiratory rate and oxygen saturation is the most appropriate intervention for a nurse to perform prior to administering Lasix to a client with heart failure. Lasix is a medication that increases the urine output and lowers the blood pressure by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidney. Lasix can help reduce the fluid overload and congestion in the lungs, which can cause shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and low oxygen levels in clients with heart failure. The nurse should assess the client’s respiratory rate and oxygen saturation to evaluate the severity of the pulmonary edema and the effectiveness of the Lasix therapy. The nurse should also monitor the client’s vital signs, fluid intake and output, and weight to ensure adequate fluid balance and hemodynamic stability.

Choice D reason: Instruct the client to increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration is not an appropriate intervention for a nurse to perform prior to administering Lasix to a client with heart failure. Lasix is a medication that increases the urine output and lowers the blood pressure by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidney. Lasix can cause dehydration, which can lead to symptoms such as thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, and fatigue. However, increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration can worsen the fluid overload and congestion in the lungs, which can cause shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and low oxygen levels in clients with heart failure. The nurse should advise the client to drink enough fluids to maintain hydration, but not to exceed the prescribed fluid restriction, which is usually around 1.52 liters per day. The nurse should also educate the client about the signs and symptoms of dehydration and fluid overload, and when to seek medical attention.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Miosis is the constriction of the pupils, which can also be caused by morphine, but it is not a life-threatening side effect. Miosis occurs because morphine stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls the muscles that constrict the pupils¹.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Sedation is the state of being calm, relaxed, and sleepy, which can also be caused by morphine, but it is not a life-threatening side effect. Sedation occurs because morphine depresses the central nervous system, which reduces the activity of the brain and the body.

Choice C reason: This is correct. Respiratory depression is the slowing down of breathing, which can be a life-threatening side effect of morphine. Respiratory depression occurs because morphine depresses the respiratory center in the brainstem, which regulates the rate and depth of breathing. If the breathing becomes too slow or shallow, the patient may not get enough oxygen and may lose consciousness or die.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Euphoria is the feeling of intense happiness, pleasure, or wellbeing, which can also be caused by morphine, but it is not a life-threatening side effect. Euphoria occurs because morphine stimulates the reward system in the brain, which releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that causes positive emotions.