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 B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because effects of rapidly infused intravenous fluids are not the cause of the patient's findings, but a possible treatment. Rapidly infused intravenous fluids are used to restore fluid volume and prevent shock in patients with fluid volume deficit. Rapidly infused intravenous fluids can cause increased blood pressure, increased urine output, and decreased heart rate.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because the body's natural compensatory mechanisms are the cause of the patient's findings. The body tries to maintain homeostasis and perfusion in response to fluid volume deficit by activating the sympathetic nervous system, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and the antidiuretic hormone system. These mechanisms cause tachycardia, vasoconstriction, pale and cool skin, sodium and water retention, and decreased urine output.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because cardiac failure is not the cause of the patient's findings, but a possible complication. Cardiac failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Cardiac failure can result from prolonged fluid volume deficit, as the heart becomes overstressed and weakened by the increased workload and decreased perfusion. Cardiac failure can cause dyspnea, edema, fatigue, and cyanosis.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because pharmacological effects of a diuretic are not the cause of the patient's findings, but a possible cause of fluid volume deficit. A diuretic is a medication that increases urine output and excretion of sodium and water. A diuretic can cause fluid volume deficit if it is overdosed, misused, or taken with other medications that affect fluid balance. A diuretic can cause hypotension, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.

Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: A patient with venous stasis ulcer is not at increased risk for metabolic alkalosis, because this condition does not affect the acid-base balance of the body. Venous stasis ulcer is a chronic wound that occurs due to impaired blood flow in the lower extremities.
Choice B: A patient on dialysis is not at increased risk for metabolic alkalosis, because dialysis helps to remove excess acids and bases from the blood. Dialysis is a treatment that filters and purifies the blood using a machine.
Choice C: A patient with bulimia is at increased risk for metabolic alkalosis, because this condition involves frequent vomiting that causes loss of gastric acid. Gastric acid is a source of hydrogen ions that lowers the pH of the blood. When gastric acid is lost, the blood becomes more alkaline.
Choice D: A patient with COPD is not at increased risk for metabolic alkalosis, but rather for respiratory acidosis. This is because COPD impairs the ability of the lungs to eliminate carbon dioxide, which is a source of carbonic acid that lowers the pH of the blood. When carbon dioxide accumulates, the blood becomes more acidic.

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