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 ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: 18 mg/dL is incorrect because it is within the normal range of BUN, which is 7 to 20 mg/dL. BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen, which 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.
Choice B: 10 mg/dL is incorrect because it is also within the normal range of BUN. A low BUN level can indicate liver problems, malnutrition, or overhydration.
Choice C: 13 mg/dL is incorrect because it is also within the normal range of BUN. A normal BUN level does not necessarily rule out dehydration, as other factors such as diet, medications, and blood loss can affect the BUN level.
Choice D: 25 mg/dL is correct because it is above the normal range of BUN and indicates a high BUN level. A high BUN level can indicate dehydration, kidney failure, urinary tract obstruction, heart failure, or excessive protein intake. The nurse should report this value to the provider as it may require further evaluation and treatment.
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