A patient is prescribed furosemide (Lasix). Which electrolyte should the nurse monitor carefully because of this medication?
a. Calcium
b. Potassium
c. Phosphate
d. Magnesium
ANS: B
All the listed electrolytes may be lost with furosemide therapy, but the one of most concern is potassium, as it can cause cardiac complications when out of balance.
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A patient who has received a bone marrow transplant is suspected to have either engraftment syndrome or sepsis and is undergoing evaluation
If the complication turns out to be engraftment syndrome, what is the most likely differentiating criterion? A) High fever, especially in the evening B) Pruritic total body rash C) Leukocytes less than 2,500/mm3 D) Dyspnea with pulmonary infiltrates
A client tells the nurse that at times she is incontinent of stool. Which condition is most likely to cause fecal incontinence in a normally continent individual?
a. Diarrhea b. Ignoring the initial urge to defecate c. Sphincter weakness d. Eating large meals quickly
How should the nurse provide written discharge instructions for a patient with macular degeneration?
a. Write the instructions in bold print. b. Adjust the table and light to assist the patient to use peripheral vision to read. c. Place written document directly in front of the patient to read. d. Read the document to the patient.
What dietary modifications should the nurse teach the client with polycystic kidney disease?
A. Increased protein intake, decreased potassium intake B. Increased fiber intake, decreased sodium intake C. Decreased fluid intake, increased magnesium intake D. Decreased calcium intake, increased chloride intake