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.)
Measure body weight every day.
Expect urination to increase.
Take the medication before going to sleep.
Report swelling of the face or hands.
Expect to feel weak and dizzy.
Correct Answer : A,B,D,E
Choice A: Measure body weight every day is correct because body weight is an indicator of fluid balance and can help monitor the effectiveness of the medication. The nurse should instruct the patient to weigh themselves at the same time each day, preferably in the morning, and report any significant changes to the provider.
Choice B: Expect urination to increase is correct because furosemide is a diuretic that works by blocking the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidneys, thus increasing urine output and reducing fluid volume. The nurse should instruct the patient to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance and to avoid taking the medication at night to prevent nocturia and sleep disturbance.
Choice C: Taking the medication before going to sleep is incorrect because taking furosemide at night can cause nocturia and sleep disturbance, as well as increase the risk of falls. The nurse should instruct the patient to take the medication in the morning or early afternoon and to avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can also increase urination.
Choice D: Report swelling of the face or hands is correct because swelling of the face or hands can indicate an allergic reaction or angioedema, which are rare but serious side effects of furosemide. The nurse should instruct the patient to stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if they experience swelling of the face or hands, as well as difficulty breathing, hives, or itching.
Choice E: Expecting to feel weak and dizzy is correct because weakness and dizziness are common side effects of furosemide, especially when starting or increasing the dose. The nurse should instruct the patient to rise slowly from a sitting or lying position and to use caution when driving or performing other activities that require alertness. The nurse should also instruct the patient to report any signs of hypotension, such as fainting, blurred vision, or chest pain.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Sodium 155 mEq/L is correct because it indicates hypernatremia, or high sodium level, which can occur in fluid volume deficit due to dehydration, excessive sweating, or diuretic therapy. Sodium is an electrolyte that regulates fluid balance and osmotic pressure in the body. The normal range of sodium is 135 to 145 mEq/L.
Choice B: Hematocrit 44% is incorrect because it is within the normal range of hematocrit, which is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. Hematocrit can reflect the oxygen-carrying capacity and viscosity of the blood. The normal range of hematocrit is 37% to 47% for females and 42% to 52% for males.
Choice C: Urine specific gravity 1.035 is correct because it indicates a high urine concentration, which can occur in fluid volume deficit due to decreased urine output and increased solute excretion. Urine specific gravity is a measure of the density of urine compared to water. The normal range of urine specific gravity is 1.005 to 1.030.
Choice D: BUN 19 mg/dL is incorrect because it is within the normal range of BUN, which stands for blood urea nitrogen, and is a measure of the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea, a waste product of protein metabolism. BUN can reflect the kidney function and hydration status of the client. The normal range of BUN is 7 to 20 mg/dL.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A: Contraction of the facial muscle is correct because it indicates a positive Chvostek's sign, which is a sign of hypocalcemia, or low calcium level in the blood. Chvostek's sign is elicited by tapping the facial nerve in front of the ear and observing for twitching of the facial muscles on the same side.
Choice B: Asked when the foot numbness would go away is incorrect because it is not a specific sign of hypocalcemia, although it can indicate peripheral neuropathy, which can be caused by various conditions such as diabetes, vitamin B12 deficiency, or alcohol abuse.
Choice C: Carpal spasm with blood pressure measurement is correct because it indicates a positive Trousseau's sign, which is another sign of hypocalcemia. Trousseau's sign is elicited by inflating a blood pressure cuff on the upper arm and observing for flexion of the wrist and fingers.
Choice D: Complaints of fingers tingling is correct because it indicates paresthesia, which is a sensation of numbness, tingling, or prickling in the extremities. Paresthesia can be caused by hypocalcemia, as low calcium level can affect the nerve conduction and excitability.
Choice E: Heart rate 88 and regular is incorrect because it is within the normal range of heart rate, which is 60 to 100 beats per minute. Heart rate can be affected by hypocalcemia, but usually in the opposite direction, causing bradycardia, or slow heart rate, or cardiac arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats.
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