The nurse obtains a prescription for furosemide 40 mg IV for a client who has pulmonary congestion as the result of fluid volume overload. The nurse assesses the vital signs to be T-98.6, P-110, RR-24 and BP-90/60. What is the most appropriate action at this time?
Withhold the dose and reassess the blood pressure in 30 minutes.
Call the healthcare provider to obtain an order for oral furosemide.
Administer the medication and notify the healthcare provider of the blood pressure.
Administer the dose and continue to monitor the vital signs.
The nurse obtains a prescription for furosemide 40 mg IV for a client who has pulmonary congestion as the result of fluid volume overload. The nurse assesses the vital signs to be T-98.6, P-110, RR-24 and BP-90/60. What is the most appropriate action at this time?
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Withholding the dose and reassessing the blood pressure in 30 minutes is not the most appropriate action at this time. Furosemide is a drug that reduces fluid retention and swelling by increasing the urine output. ¹ The client has pulmonary congestion, which means that there is excess fluid in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing and low oxygen levels. ² Delaying the administration of furosemide may worsen the client's condition and increase the risk of complications, such as pulmonary edema or heart failure.
Choice B reason: Calling the healthcare provider to obtain an order for oral furosemide is not the most appropriate action at this time. Oral furosemide is a tablet that is swallowed and absorbed by the digestive system. ¹ It takes longer to act than intravenous (IV) furosemide, which is injected directly into the bloodstream. ¹ The client has pulmonary congestion, which requires immediate treatment to relieve the fluid accumulation in the lungs. Switching to oral furosemide may delay the therapeutic effect and compromise the client's outcome.
Choice C reason: Administering the medication and notifying the healthcare provider of the blood pressure is the most appropriate action at this time. Furosemide is a drug that reduces fluid retention and swelling by increasing the urine output. ¹ The client has pulmonary congestion, which means that there is excess fluid in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing and low oxygen levels. ² Administering IV furosemide can help remove the excess fluid from the lungs and improve the client's breathing and oxygenation. However, furosemide can also lower the blood pressure by reducing the volume of fluid in the blood vessels. ¹ The client already has low blood pressure, which can cause dizziness, fainting, or shock. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider of the blood pressure and monitor the client for any signs of hypotension or adverse reactions.
Choice D reason: Administering the dose and continuing to monitor the vital signs is not the most appropriate action at this time. Furosemide is a drug that reduces fluid retention and swelling by increasing the urine output. ¹ The client has pulmonary congestion, which means that there is excess fluid in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing and low oxygen levels. ² Administering IV furosemide can help remove the excess fluid from the lungs and improve the client's breathing and oxygenation. However, furosemide can also lower the blood pressure by reducing the volume of fluid in the blood vessels. ¹ The client already has low blood pressure, which can cause dizziness, fainting, or shock. The nurse should not only monitor the vital signs, but also notify the healthcare provider of the blood pressure and report any changes or concerns.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Admission blood pressure is 110/70 is not the information that the nurse must report to the health care provider prior to the procedure. This is a normal blood pressure reading for an adult client and does not indicate any contraindication or complication for the cardiac angiogram.
Choice B reason: Client has multiple food and drug allergies is the information that the nurse must report to the health care provider prior to the procedure. This is a critical information that may affect the choice of contrast agent, medications, or equipment used for the cardiac angiogram. The nurse should identify the specific allergens and the type and severity of the allergic reactions that the client has experienced in the past.
Choice C reason: Pedal pulses are 1+ bilaterally is not the information that the nurse must report to the health care provider prior to the procedure. This is a low-normal finding for the strength of the peripheral pulses and does not indicate any significant vascular impairment or obstruction. The nurse should document and monitor the pedal pulses, but not necessarily report them.
Choice D reason: Client is slightly anxious is not the information that the nurse must report to the health care provider prior to the procedure. This is a common and expected emotional response for a client who is undergoing an invasive diagnostic test and does not require any immediate intervention. The nurse should provide reassurance and education to the client and address any concerns or questions that they may have.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Placing the patch on the anterior chest is not the best discharge instruction for this client. Clonidine is a drug that lowers blood pressure by stimulating alpha-2 receptors in the brain. ¹ The patch delivers the drug through the skin and into the bloodstream. ² The patch should be applied to a hairless area on the upper arm or torso, not the chest, to ensure proper absorption and avoid irritation. ³
Choice B reason: Removing the patch if a headache develops is not a good discharge instruction for this client. Headache is a common side effect of clonidine, especially when starting or changing the dose. ² Removing the patch abruptly may cause a rebound increase in blood pressure, which can be dangerous. ³ The client should keep the patch on for 7 days, unless instructed otherwise by the provider, and report any severe or persistent headaches.
Choice C reason: Rotating the application sites and inspecting the skin is the best discharge instruction for this client. Rotating the sites helps prevent skin irritation and allergic reactions from the patch. ³ Inspecting the skin helps detect any signs of infection, inflammation, or rash that may require medical attention. The client should also wash the old site with soap and water after removing the patch. ²
Choice D reason: Monitoring weight on a daily basis is not a necessary discharge instruction for this client. Weight is not a sensitive indicator of the effectiveness or safety of clonidine therapy. Weight may be monitored periodically to assess the client's fluid status and possible signs of heart failure, which clonidine can help prevent. ¹ However, this is not a priority action for the client using the patch.
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