Your patient is ordered a loop diuretic at 1000. Which finding below would require you to hold the dose and notify the physician for further orders?
Sodium level 144
Potassium level 1.5 mEq/L
Blood pressure 102/78
Calcium level 9 mg/L
The Correct Answer is B
Loop diuretics, such as furosemide, are known to cause potassium loss as they increase urine output. A potassium level of 1.5 mEq/L indicates severe hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which can be potentially dangerous and lead to various complications, including cardiac arrhythmias.
Hence, it is important to hold the dose of the loop diuretic and notify the physician so that appropriate interventions can be taken to address the low potassium level, such as prescribing potassium supplementation or adjusting the dosage of the loop diuretic.
A sodium level of 144 is within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L) and does not require immediate action.
A blood pressure of 102/78, although it may indicate hypotension, does not necessarily require holding the dose of the loop diuretic unless it is accompanied by other significant symptoms or clinical concerns.
A calcium level of 9 mg/dL falls within the normal range (8.5-10.5 mg/dL) and does not necessitate holding the loop diuretic dose.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator that provides rapid relief of bronchospasm and helps to alleviate the symptoms of respiratory distress in asthma. It acts quickly to relax the smooth muscles in the airways, improving airflow and relieving wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. In an acute asthma exacerbation, albuterol is often the first-line medication used to provide immediate relief and improve respiratory function. Prednisone is an oral corticosteroid that has anti-inflammatory effects and is commonly used in the treatment of asthma. However, it is typically administered orally and takes time to exert its effects. In the emergency department setting, the focus is on providing immediate relief of symptoms, and oral medications like prednisone may not have an immediate effect. Ipratropium is an anticholinergic bronchodilator that can be administered via inhalation. While it is effective in relieving bronchospasm, it is generally used as an adjunct to albuterol and not typically the first-line medication for severe respiratory distress in asthma. Fluticasone is an inhaled corticosteroid that has anti-inflammatory effects and is used for long-term management and control of asthma. It is not appropriate for immediate relief of severe respiratory distress and is not typically used as a first-line medication in the emergency department.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Each of your meals should contain about 10 tablespoons of food: After gastric bypass surgery, the stomach's size is reduced, and the patient's capacity to consume large quantities of food is limited. It is important to educate the patient about appropriate portion sizes to avoid overeating and potential complications.
Be certain to stay hydrated by drinking water: Hydration is crucial after gastric bypass surgery. Patients should be advised to drink enough water throughout the day to prevent dehydration and ensure proper bodily function.
Solid food can be introduced back into the diet in a week: Following gastric bypass surgery, the diet is initially limited to liquid and pureed foods. Gradually, solid foods can be reintroduced into the diet over time, typically after a week or as directed by the surgeon. This information is important for the patient to understand the progression of their diet post-surgery. You are likely to have little urine output for the first few weeks: This statement is not true and may cause unnecessary concern for the patient. Urine output should not be affected by gastric bypass surgery unless there are other complications.
Report any back, shoulder, or abdominal pain to the surgeon: While it is important to report any significant pain or discomfort to the surgeon, including back, shoulder, or abdominal pain, this is not specific to discharge teaching for gastric bypass surgery. Pain management and reporting should be covered during the post-operative care instructions, but it is not limited to discharge teaching alone.
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