HESI RN CAT Exit Exam Related

Review HESI RN CAT Exit Exam related questions and content

In preparing to administer a scheduled dose of intravenous furosemide (Lasix) to a client with heart failure, the nurse notes that the client's B-Type Naturetic peptide (BNP) is elevated. What action should the nurse take?

  • A. Measure the client's oxygen saturation before taking further action
  • B. Administer a PRN dose of nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)
  • C. Administer the dose of furosemide as scheduled
  • D. Hold the dose of furosemide until contacting the healthcare provider
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct action is to administer the dose of furosemide as scheduled (Choice C) because an elevated BNP level indicates increased fluid volume and pressure in the heart. Furosemide is a diuretic that helps reduce fluid overload in heart failure patients, which can alleviate symptoms and improve cardiac function. Holding the dose (Choice D) could delay necessary treatment, potentially worsening the patient's condition. Measuring oxygen saturation (Choice A) is important but not the immediate priority in this situation. Administering nitroglycerin (Choice B) is not appropriate as it is used for chest pain related to angina, not for treating elevated BNP levels in heart failure.