The nurse is caring for a client with a history of depression who is prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Which side effect should the nurse monitor for?

Choice A reason: Furosemide, a loop diuretic, promotes urine output by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, reducing fluid overload in heart failure. Increased urine output indicates effective diuresis, alleviating pulmonary and peripheral edema, making it the primary sign of therapeutic efficacy.

Choice B reason: Elevated blood pressure is not an expected effect of furosemide, which reduces preload and blood volume, often lowering pressure. Effective diuresis is shown by increased urine output, as this directly reflects fluid removal, critical for heart failure management.

Choice C reason: Increased heart rate is not a direct indicator of furosemide efficacy. Diuresis reduces cardiac workload, potentially stabilizing heart rate, but urine output is the primary measure, as it confirms fluid excretion, the medication’s main action in heart failure.

Choice D reason: Weight gain indicates fluid retention, the opposite of furosemide’s goal. Effective diuresis causes weight loss due to fluid excretion. Increased urine output is the key sign, as it directly measures the diuretic’s action in reducing heart failure-related fluid overload.

Choice A reason: Assisting with mobility and safety is critical in multiple sclerosis, as muscle weakness and spasticity increase fall risk. Physical therapy and assistive devices enhance safety, reducing injury risk, making it the priority intervention to maintain independence and prevent complications like fractures.

Choice B reason: A high-sodium diet is inappropriate, as it may exacerbate fluid retention, unrelated to multiple sclerosis. Mobility assistance is the priority, as falls are a significant risk due to neurological deficits, making dietary sodium irrelevant to primary symptom management.

Choice C reason: Restricting physical therapy worsens mobility and spasticity in multiple sclerosis. Assisting with mobility and safety is critical, as it prevents falls and maintains function, making therapy restriction counterproductive, as exercise supports neurological health and independence.

Choice D reason: Promoting bed rest increases muscle atrophy and spasticity in multiple sclerosis. Mobility and safety measures are essential, as they reduce fall risk and maintain function, making bed rest detrimental to managing neurological symptoms and overall patient well-being.