The nurse notes scattered crackles in both lungs and 1+ pitting edema when assessing a cardiac client. The physician is notified and orders furosemide (Lasix) 80 mg IV push stat. Which of the…

The correct answer is A. Serum electrolytes. (A) Furosemide, a potassium-depleting diuretic, inhibits the reabsorption of sodium and chloride from the loop of Henle and the distal renal tubules. Serum electrolytes are monitored for (B) Severe acid-base imbalances influence the movement of potassium into and out of the…

Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

Question

The nurse notes scattered crackles in both lungs and 1+ pitting edema when assessing a cardiac client. The physician is notified and orders furosemide (Lasix) 80 mg IV push stat. Which of the following diagnostic studies is monitored to assess for a major complication of this therapy?

Options

ASerum electrolytes
BArterial blood gases
CComplete blood count
D12-Lead ECG

How the community answered

(22 responses)

A
59% (13)
B
9% (2)
C
9% (2)
D
23% (5)

Explanation

(A) Furosemide, a potassium-depleting diuretic, inhibits the reabsorption of sodium and chloride from the loop of Henle and the distal renal tubules. Serum electrolytes are monitored for (B) Severe acid-base imbalances influence the movement of potassium into and out of the cells, but arterial blood gases to not measure the serum potassium level. (C) Furosemide is a potassium-depleting diuretic. A complete blood count does not reflect potassium levels. (D) Abnormalities in potassium (both hyperkalemia and hypokalemia) are reflected in ECG changes, but these changes do not occur until the abnormality is severe.

Topics

#furosemide#diuretic therapy#electrolyte imbalance#serum electrolytes

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