The nurse is preparing to administer IV furosemide (Lasix) to a client with hypertension. What is the most important finding to report to the health care provider?

Blood glucose level of 175 mg/dl.

Orthostatic systolic BP decrease of 12 mm Hg

Serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq

Current blood pressure (BP) reading of 166/94 mm Hg

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

The most important finding to report to the health care provider would be the serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq. This is an extremely low potassium level (normal range is typically 3.5-5.0 mEq/L), which can indicate a potentially life-threatening condition called hypokalemia. Furosemide (Lasix) is a diuretic medication that can cause potassium loss in the urine, and a low potassium level can lead to serious cardiac and muscle abnormalities. It is crucial to report this finding promptly to the health care provider for appropriate intervention and monitoring.

Blood glucose level of 175 mg/dL: While an elevated blood glucose level can be a concern, especially for individuals with diabetes, it is not the most critical finding in this situation. The client's primary concern is hypertension, and the administration of IV furosemide is aimed at managing blood pressure. The elevated blood glucose level should still be addressed and monitored, but it is not as urgent as the low potassium level.

Orthostatic systolic BP decrease of 12 mm Hg: Orthostatic hypotension refers to a significant decrease in blood pressure upon standing up. While it is important to assess and manage orthostatic changes, a decrease of 12 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure alone may not be considered clinically significant. It could be a normal response for some individuals. However, if the client experiences symptoms such as dizziness or lightheadedness upon standing, further evaluation may be necessary. Nonetheless, it is not as urgent as the low potassium level.

Current blood pressure reading of 166/94 mm Hg: While this blood pressure reading indicates hypertension, it is not the most critical finding to report in this situation. The nurse is preparing to administer furosemide (Lasix), which is a medication commonly used to treat hypertension. It is expected that the blood pressure will be high before administering the medication. The goal is to monitor the blood pressure after the administration to assess the effectiveness of the medication.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Having a permanent cardiac pacemaker is a significant factor that needs to be communicated to the health care provider before undergoing an MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnets, radio waves, and a computer to create detailed images of the body. The presence of a cardiac pacemaker can be a contraindication for undergoing an MRI because the strong magnetic field can potentially interfere with the functioning of the pacemaker or cause it to malfunction. It is crucial to assess the compatibility of the pacemaker with the MRI machine and to take appropriate precautions or make necessary arrangements to ensure the safety of the client during the procedure.

While the other pieces of information provided may be relevant to the client's overall health and medical history, they may not have a direct impact on the safety or feasibility of undergoing an MRI.

A. “I have stomach pain every time I eat a big, heavy meal." B. “I don't have any abdominal pain or any type of problems." C. “I have periodic episodes of constipation and then diarrhea." D. “I belch a lot especially when I lay down after eating"

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) often do not present with speciﬁc symptoms in the early stages. It is not uncommon for individuals with AAA to be asymptomatic or have vague symptoms. Therefore, the absence of abdominal pain or any problems related to the abdomen is a common ﬁnding during the assessment of a client with an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Let's brieﬂy review the other statements:

"I have stomach pain every time I eat a big, heavy meal": This statement is more suggestive of gastrointestinal issues such as indigestion or acid reﬂux rather than speciﬁcally related to an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

"I have periodic episodes of constipation and then diarrhea": This statement may indicate gastrointestinal issues, but it is not a typical symptom associated with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. AAA is primarily related to the aorta, the main blood vessel in the abdomen, and its symptoms are not directly linked to bowel function.

"I belch a lot, especially when I lay down after eating": This statement suggests gastrointestinal symptoms such as acid reﬂux or gastroesophageal reﬂux disease (GERD). While these symptoms may be unrelated to the abdominal aortic aneurysm itself, they can coexist with other conditions.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

The nurse is preparing to administer IV furosemide (Lasix) to a client with hypertension. What is the most important finding to report to the health care provider?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is screening a client prior to an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). What information is important to report to the health care provider before the MRI?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The client is diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Which statement would the nurse expect the client to make during the admission assessment?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a client with chronic peripheral artery disease. What client statement indicates the need for further teaching?

The nurse has written a plan of care for a client diagnosed with peripheral arterial insufficiency. Which intervention is the most appropriate for this diagnosis?

Which information is most important for the nurse to include when teaching a client newly diagnosed with hypertension?

A client with a complex cardiac history is scheduled for transthoracic echocardiography. What should the nurse teach the client in anticipation of this diagnostic procedure?

A nurse is preparing a client for scheduled transesophageal echocardiography. Which action should the nurse perform?

Which assessment data would require immediate intervention by the nurse for the client who is six (6) hours post-operative abdominal aortic aneurysm repair?

The nurse is assessing a client with a hypertensive emergency. Which finding is most important to report to the health care provider?

The nurse is reviewing the medical electronic record of a client with abdominal aortic aneurysm less than 3 cm in size. Which medical treatment should the nurse anticipate to be prescribed for the client?