A patient with fluid overload is prescribed furosemide (Lasix) 20 mg by mouth each day. What should the nurse include when teaching the patient about this medication? Select all that apply.
Expect urination to increase.
Expect to feel weak and dizzy.
Take the medication before going to sleep.
Report swelling of the face or hands.
Monitor body weight daily.
Correct Answer : A,D,E
A, D, and E.
Choice A rationale:
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes diuresis, causing an increase in urine output. It is essential for the patient to expect this effect and understand that it helps in reducing fluid overload.
Choice B rationale:
Feeling weak and dizzy is not an expected effect of furosemide. It is more commonly associated with dehydration or excessive fluid loss, which can occur if the medication causes too much diuresis.
Choice C rationale:
Taking furosemide before going to sleep is not recommended because it can lead to nighttime diuresis, disrupting sleep and potentially causing electrolyte imbalances.
Choice D rationale:
Swelling of the face or hands may indicate an adverse reaction to furosemide or an underlying medical issue. The nurse should instruct the patient to report any such symptoms promptly.
Choice E rationale:
Monitoring body weight daily is crucial for patients on diuretic therapy to assess fluid status and response to treatment. Rapid weight gain may indicate worsening fluid overload, while significant weight loss may indicate excessive diuresis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hypocalcemia refers to low levels of calcium in the blood, which can present with symptoms like muscle cramps, numbness, and tingling. However, this choice is not relevant to the patient's symptoms in the scenario.
Choice B rationale:
Hypercalcemia is an electrolyte imbalance characterized by high levels of calcium in the blood. It can lead to ECG changes and symptoms like muscle weakness, confusion, and constipation. However, this is not the correct answer in the given scenario.
Choice C rationale:
The patient's symptoms of ECG changes and muscle weakness are consistent with hyperkalemia. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, and its use can lead to increased potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia), which can affect the heart's electrical activity and cause muscle weakness.
Choice D rationale:
Hypokalemia is a condition where there is a low level of potassium in the blood. It can lead to muscle weakness, ECG changes, and other symptoms, but it is not the correct answer in this specific situation involving spironolactone use.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Digoxin. Choice A rationale:
Potassium chloride (KCL) is a supplement used to treat or prevent low potassium levels. While it can have side effects, visual disturbances are not typically associated with KCL. Therefore, it is not the medication the nurse suspects to be causing the problem.
Choice B rationale:
Warfarin (Coumadin) is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clot formation. Visual disturbances are not a known side effect of warfarin. Therefore, it is unlikely to be the cause of the patient's symptoms.
Choice C rationale:
Aspirin (ASA) is a pain reliever and antiplatelet medication, and while it can cause visual disturbances in some cases, it is not a common or significant side effect. Aspirin is also not specifically linked to atrial fibrillation.
Choice D rationale:
Digoxin (Lanoxin) is used to treat atrial fibrillation and heart failure. Visual disturbances are a known side effect of digoxin toxicity. Given the patient's diagnosis of atrial fibrillation and the reported symptoms, the nurse suspects the problem lies with digoxin and should further investigate and report to the provider.
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