You're providing discharge instructions to a patient who will be taking a loop diuretic at home. Which statement by the patient demonstrates they did NOT understand the teaching material and requires that you reinforce some of the teaching points?
"I will weigh myself daily and report to my physician if I gain more than 3 lbs in 1 day."
"This medication can cause dehydration, so I will stay hydrated by consuming at least 2 L or more of fluid per day."
"I will eat a diet rich in potatoes, bananas, avocadoes, strawberries, and spinach."
"I will change position slowly because I can become dizzy easily while taking this medication."
The Correct Answer is C
Loop diuretics, such as furosemide, are known to promote diuresis (increased urine output) and can cause electrolyte imbalances, including low potassium (hypokalemia). The patient's statement about eating a diet rich in potassium-containing foods like potatoes, bananas, avocadoes, strawberries, and spinach is incorrect in this context. These foods are indeed good sources of potassium, but when taking loop diuretics, it is necessary to monitor and potentially restrict potassium intake to prevent excessive potassium levels.
"I will weigh myself daily and report to my physician if I gain more than 3 lbs in 1 day." This statement reflects the patient's understanding of the need to monitor their weight daily as a means of assessing fluid balance. Rapid weight gain may indicate fluid retention, which should be reported to the physician.
"This medication can cause dehydration, so I will stay hydrated by consuming at least 2 L or more of fluid per day." This statement demonstrates awareness of the potential for dehydration when taking loop diuretics and the importance of staying adequately hydrated by consuming an appropriate amount of fluids.
"I will change position slowly because I can become dizzy easily while taking this medication." This statement reflects the understanding that loop diuretics can cause orthostatic hypotension,
leading to dizziness upon sudden changes in position. Taking precautions and changing position slowly can help prevent falls and related injuries.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The development of nausea and increased upper abdominal bowel sounds after 24 hours of NG decompression in a patient with gastric outlet obstruction raises concerns for possible complications or changes in the patient's condition. Assessing the patient's vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, can provide important information about their circulatory status and overall stability.
While checking the patency of the NG tube is important, it is not the best immediate action in this situation. The nurse should first assess the patient's vital signs to ensure their stability before proceeding with further interventions.
Placing the patient in a recumbent position (lying down) or encouraging deep breathing and conscious relaxation may not address the underlying issue and could potentially exacerbate the symptoms. It is essential to assess the patient's vital signs and circulatory status to determine the appropriate course of action.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E","F","G","H","J"]
Explanation
● Weight 98 lbs: This information helps determine the patient's baseline weight and assess for potential weight loss associated with dehydration.
● Dehydrated: The diagnosis of dehydration indicates a critical condition that requires immediate attention and intervention.
● Lethargy: Lethargy suggests a decreased level of consciousness and could indicate a severe state of dehydration or other underlying issues that need to be addressed promptly.
● HR 122: A heart rate of 122 beats per minute is elevated and may indicate compensatory mechanisms in response to dehydration or other underlying conditions. It requires further evaluation and intervention.
● Shortness of Breath: This symptom suggests respiratory distress and may be related to the patient's dehydration or underlying conditions. It requires immediate assessment and intervention.
● Temperature 100: An elevated temperature may indicate an underlying infection or inflammatory response. It requires further evaluation to determine the cause and guide appropriate treatment.
● Thirsty: The patient's report of feeling thirsty is an important symptom indicating dehydration and the need for fluid replacement.
● BP 90/50: A blood pressure of 90/50 is low and may be indicative of hypotension, which can occur in dehydration. It requires close monitoring and intervention to stabilize the patient's blood pressure.
The following items are not immediate concerns based on the given information: ● Admitted to the ER: While it is important information, it is not a current concern as the patient is already in the ER.
● Female: The patient's gender is not an immediate concern for the assessment and management of dehydration.
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