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 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.

A. "Increased LDL and decreased HDL increase my risk of coronary artery disease." B. "Increased LDL has the potential to decrease my risk of heart disease." C. "The decreased HDL level will increase the amount of cholesterol moved away from the artery walls." D. "The increased LDL will decrease the amount of cholesterol deposited on the artery walls."

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Elevated levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it can contribute to the formation of plaque in the arteries, leading to narrowing and blockage of the arteries supplying the heart. This increases the risk of developing CAD and related complications such as heart attack and stroke.

On the other hand, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is often referred to as "good" cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transport it back to the liver for processing and excretion. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a decreased risk of CAD because it helps to prevent the accumulation of cholesterol on artery walls.

Therefore, understanding that increased LDL and decreased HDL levels increase the risk of coronary artery disease demonstrates a good understanding of the significance of cholesterol levels and their impact on cardiovascular health.

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 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

The nurse is conducting client teaching about cholesterol levels. When discussing the client's elevated LDL and lowered HDL levels, the client shows an understanding of the significance of these levels by making what statement?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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

A nurse is teaching a hypertensive client who is taking hydrochlorothiazide. What client statement indicates understanding about hydrochlorothiazide?

The nurse is teaching a client with peripheral arterial disease. Which information should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

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

A nurse is assessing a client with a history of high blood pressure. The client's blood pressure is 210/106 mm Hg during the assessment. What follow-up question should the nurse ask?

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?

The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with venous insufficiency about compression stockings. Which information is essential for the nurse in the teaching plan?

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?