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.
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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Orthostatic hypotension, a form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down, would not typically cause severe chest pain or result in elevated levels of cardiac troponins I and T6.
Choice B rationale
Raynaud’s disease, a condition that causes some areas of your body — such as your fingers and toes — to feel numb and cold in response to cold temperatures or stress, would not typically cause severe chest pain or result in elevated levels of cardiac troponins I and T6.
Choice C rationale
Angina, a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, could cause severe chest pain, but it would not typically result in elevated levels of cardiac troponins I and T6. Elevated troponin levels are more indicative of damage to the heart muscle, which is not characteristic of angina.
Choice D rationale
A myocardial infarction (MI), also known as a heart attack, could cause severe chest pain and would typically result in elevated levels of cardiac troponins I and T7. Troponins are proteins found in the heart muscle, and levels can rise in the blood when there is damage to the heart, such as during an MI.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Iron supplements for anemia do not typically interact with warfarin (Coumadin). Iron is a mineral that is essential for the production of red blood cells, and supplements are often prescribed to patients with anemia to increase their iron levels. While it’s important for healthcare providers to be aware of all medications and supplements a patient is taking, iron supplements are not known to diminish the effects of warfarin.
Choice B rationale
Furosemide (Lasix) is a diuretic medication used to treat fluid retention. It works by causing the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine. While furosemide can interact with other medications, it is not known to diminish the effects of warfarin.
Choice C rationale
Simvastatin (Zocor) is a medication used to control cholesterol levels. It works by slowing the production of cholesterol in the body to decrease the amount of cholesterol that may build up on the walls of the arteries and block blood flow to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body. Simvastatin does not typically interact with warfarin to diminish its effects.
Choice D rationale
Yaz (drospirenone/estradiol) is an oral contraceptive that contains estrogen. Estrogen can potentially increase the effects of warfarin, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. Therefore, if a patient taking warfarin also takes Yaz, it could potentially diminish the effects of warfarin, making it less effective. This is why it’s important for healthcare providers to be aware of all medications a patient is taking, including oral contraceptives.
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