In the context of a patient undergoing IV furosemide (Lasix) treatment for hypertension, which observation is most crucial to communicate to the healthcare provider?

Serum potassium level is 3.0 mEq/L.

The current blood pressure reading is 168/94 mm Hg.

Blood glucose level is at 175 mg/dL.

There’s an orthostatic systolic BP decrease of 12 mm Hg.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Furosemide (Lasix) is a diuretic medication used to treat hypertension and edema. One of the side effects of furosemide is hypokalemia, or low potassium levels. A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is lower than the normal range (3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L), which can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias.

Therefore, this observation is crucial to communicate to the healthcare provider.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Adenosine (Adenocard) is a medication that can be used to treat supraventricular tachycardia, a type of abnormal heart rhythm. However, it is not typically used for atrial fibrillation.
Choice B rationale
Emergency cardioversion, where an electric shock is used to restore the heart’s normal rhythm, can be used in some cases of atrial fibrillation. However, if the atrial fibrillation has been present for more than 48 hours, there is a risk of blood clots, and anticoagulation for several weeks before the procedure may be needed.
Choice C rationale
Anticoagulant therapy is often used in patients with atrial fibrillation to reduce the risk of stroke. Atrial fibrillation can lead to blood pooling in the atria, increasing the risk of clot formation. These clots can then travel to the brain, causing a stroke.
Choice D rationale
Permanent pacemakers are sometimes used in atrial fibrillation to help regulate the heart’s rhythm. However, they are typically used when other treatments have failed or are contraindicated.

A. Serum hemoglobin of 14.7 g/dL. B. Blood glucose level of 96 mg/dL. C. Serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L. D. Serum creatinine of 2.8 mg/dL. .

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Serum hemoglobin of 14.7 g/dL is within the normal range for adults, which is typically 12.0 to
16.0 g/dL for women and 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL for men. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. While it’s important to monitor hemoglobin levels, a value of 14.7 g/dL does not raise immediate concerns related to hypertension.
Choice B rationale
A blood glucose level of 96 mg/dL is considered normal. The normal range for fasting blood glucose is between 70 and 100 mg/dL1. Blood glucose levels are important to monitor, especially in patients with diabetes, but a value of 96 mg/dL is not immediately concerning in the context of hypertension.
Choice C rationale
A serum potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L is within the normal range, which is typically 3.6 to 5.2 mEq/L1. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that helps regulate heart and muscle contractions and maintain fluid balance in the body. While it’s important to monitor potassium levels, a value of 4.5 mEq/L does not raise immediate concerns related to hypertension.
Choice D rationale
A serum creatinine level of 2.8 mg/dL is high. Creatinine is a waste product that’s produced by your muscles and filtered out of your blood by your kidneys. High levels of creatinine can indicate that the kidneys aren’t working properly, which can be a complication of hypertension. Therefore, this result is the most important to communicate to the healthcare provider.

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In the context of a patient undergoing IV furosemide (Lasix) treatment for hypertension, which observation is most crucial to communicate to the healthcare provider?

Nursing Test Bank

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