A patient with a gastric outlet obstruction has been treated with NG decompression. After the first 24 hours, the patient develops nausea and increased upper abdominal bowel sounds. What is the best action by the nurse?

Loop diuretics, such as furosemide, are known to promote diuresis (increased urine output) and can cause electrolyte imbalances, including low potassium (hypokalemia). The patient's statement about eating a diet rich in potassium-containing foods like potatoes, bananas, avocadoes, strawberries, and spinach is incorrect in this context. These foods are indeed good sources of potassium, but when taking loop diuretics, it is necessary to monitor and potentially restrict potassium intake to prevent excessive potassium levels.

"I will weigh myself daily and report to my physician if I gain more than 3 lbs in 1 day." This statement reflects the patient's understanding of the need to monitor their weight daily as a means of assessing fluid balance. Rapid weight gain may indicate fluid retention, which should be reported to the physician.

"This medication can cause dehydration, so I will stay hydrated by consuming at least 2 L or more of fluid per day." This statement demonstrates awareness of the potential for dehydration when taking loop diuretics and the importance of staying adequately hydrated by consuming an appropriate amount of fluids.

"I will change position slowly because I can become dizzy easily while taking this medication." This statement reflects the understanding that loop diuretics can cause orthostatic hypotension,

leading to dizziness upon sudden changes in position. Taking precautions and changing position slowly can help prevent falls and related injuries.

Cephalosporins are similar to another group of beta-lactam antibiotics called the Penicillins. Both cephalosporins and penicillins belong to the beta-lactam class of antibiotics, which share a similar structure and mechanism of action. They inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to specific proteins called penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), leading to bacterial cell death. This shared mechanism of action makes cephalosporins and penicillins similar in their antibacterial effects.

On the other hand, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides are different classes of antibiotics with distinct structures and mechanisms of action. They work through different mechanisms to inhibit bacterial growth and have different spectrums of activity compared to beta-lactam antibiotics like cephalosporins and penicillins.