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 D
Explanation
The client's complaint of hemoptysis (coughing up blood) and a positive Mantoux test (4 cm induration) suggest the possibility of tuberculosis (TB) infection. TB is an airborne infectious disease, and placing the client in airborne isolation is necessary to prevent the spread of the infection to others.
Antibiotics may be used to treat tuberculosis, but the initial step would be to isolate the client and confirm the diagnosis before starting specific treatment.
A CT scan may be ordered to further evaluate the client's condition, but it is not the immediate action required in this case. Isolation and confirmation of the diagnosis take priority. While the client may require oxygen therapy based on their respiratory symptoms, it is not the primary action to take at this stage. Isolation and further evaluation are necessary before initiating specific treatments.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
During triage in a disaster situation, a color tagging system is often used to prioritize and categorize the injured based on the severity of their injuries and the urgency of medical attention required. The colors commonly used in triage are:
● Green tag: Minor injuries that are non-urgent and can typically wait for medical treatment.
● Yellow tag: Injuries that are significant but not immediately life-threatening, requiring medical attention within a few hours.
● Red tag: Critical injuries that are life-threatening but still salvageable with prompt medical intervention.
● Black tag: Injuries that are severe and unsurvivable or incompatible with life. This tag is assigned to individuals who are deceased or have injuries that are beyond the resources available for treatment.
In the given scenario, the absence of breathing, absent radial pulse, prolonged capillary refill, and unresponsiveness indicate a critical condition with no signs of life. Therefore, a black tag would be assigned to this individual.
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