The nurse is caring for a client being treated pharmacologically for heart failure. Which laboratory values is the nurse careful to monitor during treatment?

Question

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Potassium levels
2. BUN
3. Creatinine
4. Liver function tests
5. Serum drug levels

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,3,5
Rationale 1: It is important to monitor electrolyte levels, especially potassium, when a client is being treated pharmacologically for heart failure.
Rationale 2: It is important to monitor renal function while a client is being treated pharmacologically for heart failure.
Rationale 3: It is important to monitor renal function while a client is being treated pharmacologically for heart failure.
Rationale 4: It is not necessary to monitor liver function while a client is being treated pharmacologically for heart failure.
Rationale 5: It is important to monitor serum drug levels while a client is being treated pharmacologically for heart failure.
Global Rationale: It is important to monitor electrolyte levels, especially potassium, when a client is being treated pharmacologically for heart failure. It is also important to monitor renal function (BUN and creatinine) and serum drug levels while a client is being treated pharmacologically for heart failure. It is not necessary to monitor liver function while a client is being treated pharmacologically for heart failure.