The nurse is monitoring a client taking Lasix (furosemide). Which of the following findings would prompt the nurse to notify the health care provider?
Serum potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L
Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg
Serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L
Serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Serum potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L is above the normal range of 3.55.0 mEq/L, but it is not a concern for the client taking Lasix, which is a medication that increases the urine output and lowers the blood pressure by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidney. Lasix can also cause the loss of potassium in the urine, which can lead to hypokalemia, a condition that causes muscle weakness, cramps, arrhythmias, or cardiac arrest. The nurse should monitor the serum potassium level and administer potassium supplements or potassium sparing diuretics as prescribed to prevent hypokalemia.
Choice B reason: Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg is slightly above the normal range of 120/80 mmHg, but it is not a concern for the client taking Lasix, which is a medication that increases the urine output and lowers the blood pressure by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidney. Lasix can reduce the fluid volume and the peripheral resistance, which can lower the blood pressure and prevent or treat hypertension, edema, or heart failure. The nurse should monitor the blood pressure regularly and adjust the dose of Lasix as prescribed to maintain a normal blood pressure.
Choice C reason: Serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is below the normal range of 3.55.0 mEq/L, and it is a concern for the client taking Lasix, which is a medication that increases the urine output and lowers the blood pressure by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidney. Lasix can also cause the loss of potassium in the urine, which can lead to hypokalemia, a condition that causes muscle weakness, cramps, arrhythmias, or cardiac arrest. The nurse should notify the health care provider immediately and prepare to administer interventions such as potassium supplements or potassium sparing diuretics to correct hypokalemia.
Choice D reason: Serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L is within the normal range of 135145 mEq/L, and it is not a concern for the client taking Lasix, which is a medication that increases the urine output and lowers the blood pressure by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidney. Lasix can cause the loss of sodium in the urine, which can lead to hyponatremia, a condition that causes confusion, seizures, coma, or death. The nurse should monitor the serum sodium level and administer sodium supplements or fluids as prescribed to prevent hyponatremia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
The correct answer is: a. Right route, c. Right dose, d. Right person, e. Right documentation, f. Right medication.
Choice A: Right route
The right route ensures that the medication is administered via the correct method, such as oral, intravenous, or intramuscular. This is crucial because different routes can affect the medication’s absorption and effectiveness. Administering medication via the wrong route can lead to ineffective treatment or even harm the patient.
Choice B: Right to refuse
While patients do have the right to refuse medication, this is not one of the five main rights of medication administration. The five main rights focus on the correct administration process to ensure patient safety and effective treatment.
Choice C: Right dose
The right dose ensures that the patient receives the correct amount of medication. Administering too much or too little can lead to adverse effects or ineffective treatment. This right involves verifying the prescribed dose and measuring it accurately.
Choice D: Right person
The right person ensures that the medication is given to the correct patient. This is typically verified using two identifyers, such as the patient’s name and date of birth, to prevent medication errors.
Choice E: Right documentation
The right documentation involves accurately recording the administration of the medication. This includes noting the time, dose, route, and any observations. Proper documentation is essential for maintaining accurate medical records and ensuring continuity of care.
Choice F: Right medication
The right medication ensures that the correct drug is given to the patient. This involves checking the medication label against the doctor’s order to prevent errors. Administering the wrong medication can have serious consequences.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is correct. The liver is the main organ responsible for drug metabolism. The enzymes that the body uses to metabolize drugs are present throughout the body but are most abundant in the liver. The liver can transform drugs into more polar and water-soluble compounds, which can then be excreted by the kidneys or the biliary system.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. The lungs are not primarily responsible for drug metabolism, although they can play a minor role in some cases. The lungs can metabolize some drugs that are inhaled, such as anesthetics, or drugs that circulate through the pulmonary blood vessels, such as propranolol. However, the lungs have a lower capacity and a lower variety of enzymes than the liver.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. The heart is not responsible for drug metabolism, although it can be affected by it. The heart is the organ that pumps blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and organs. The heart can be influenced by the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs, which are the processes of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, and the effects of drugs on the body, respectively.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. The kidney is not primarily responsible for drug metabolism, although it is important for drug excretion. The kidney is the organ that filters the blood and removes waste products and excess fluid as urine. The kidney can excrete drugs that are water-soluble or that are not reabsorbed by the tubules. The kidney can also metabolize some drugs, such as aspirin, but to a lesser extent than the liver.
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