The nurse is reviewing lab values for a patient taking furosemide. Which of these lab values would concern the nurse?
Calcium 9.4 mg/dL
Sodium 140 mEq/L
Potassium 2.5 mEq/L
Magnesium 1.9 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is C
A. Calcium 9.4 mg/dL: This is within the normal range for calcium (8.5-10.2 mg/dL), so it is not a concern.
B. Sodium 140 mEq/L: This value is within the normal range for sodium (135-145 mEq/L), so it is not a concern.
C. Potassium 2.5 mEq/L: This is below the normal range for potassium (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and indicates hypokalemia, which is a common side effect of furosemide, a diuretic. Hypokalemia can cause serious cardiac issues and requires prompt attention.
D. Magnesium 1.9 mEq/L: This is within the normal range for magnesium (1.5-2.5 mEq/L), so it is not a concern.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Correct answer: A
A. Monitoring for infection: Infection is a significant risk with external fixation devices due to the presence of pins that penetrate the skin and soft tissues. Monitoring for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, discharge, or increased pain, is crucial.
B. Monitoring circulatory status: While circulatory status is important, especially in cases of limb injury or immobilization, it is not the most immediate concern compared to the risk of infection from the external fixation device.
C. Validating proper mobility: Ensuring proper mobility is important, but it is secondary to the prevention and detection of infection. Mobility assessments can be done after confirming that there are no infections or complications.
D. Checking discomfort level: While assessing discomfort is important for pain management and comfort, it is not as critical as monitoring for infection, which can lead to severe complications if not addressed promptly.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "This medication will help lower my cholesterol.": Statins are primarily used to lower cholesterol levels, which helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases including strokes.
B. "This medication can help protect my brain from a stroke.": While statins indirectly help reduce the risk of a stroke by lowering cholesterol, they do not directly protect the brain from stroke.
C. "This medication will help stop plaques in my blood vessels.": Statins can reduce the progression of atherosclerosis by lowering cholesterol, but they do not stop plaque formation completely.
D. "Muscle pains are normal for the first few weeks.": Muscle pain (myopathy) can be a side effect of statins and should be reported to a healthcare provider, as it can indicate a serious condition like rhabdomyolysis, not something that should be considered normal.
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