The client on furosemide (Lasix) is complaining of muscle cramps. What electrolyte imbalance should the nurse suspect?
- A. Hyperkalemia
- B. Hyponatremia
- C. Hypocalcemia
- D. Hypokalemia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium excretion, leading to low potassium levels and muscle cramps. Hypokalemia is associated with muscle weakness and cramps due to altered muscle function. Hyperkalemia (A) is high potassium levels, not typically associated with furosemide. Hyponatremia (B) is low sodium levels, not directly related to furosemide use. Hypocalcemia (C) is low calcium levels, which can cause muscle cramps but is not the most likely electrolyte imbalance with furosemide.
You may also like to solve these questions
What is a condition where the lung's alveoli are permanently enlarged and damaged, leading to shortness of breath?
- A. Emphysema
- B. Bronchitis
- C. Atelectasis
- D. Pulmonary fibrosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Emphysema. Emphysema is a condition where the lung's alveoli are permanently enlarged and damaged, causing shortness of breath. This occurs due to the destruction of the alveoli walls, leading to decreased surface area for oxygen exchange. This results in difficulty breathing and reduced oxygen supply to the body. Bronchitis (B) is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not alveoli damage. Atelectasis (C) is the collapse of lung tissue, not enlargement. Pulmonary fibrosis (D) is scarring of lung tissue, not alveoli enlargement.
What is a condition where the arteries supplying blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, causing pain and difficulty walking?
- A. Peripheral artery disease
- B. Atherosclerosis
- C. Varicose veins
- D. Raynaud's disease
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is characterized by narrowed or blocked arteries in the legs and feet, resulting in reduced blood flow, causing pain and difficulty walking. This condition is specifically related to arterial issues, unlike varicose veins (C) which involve veins, atherosclerosis (B) which is a broader term for arterial plaque buildup, and Raynaud's disease (D) which is characterized by episodic vasospasm affecting blood flow to extremities. Therefore, PAD is the most accurate choice given the symptoms described in the question.
The diagnostic test that is most useful in differentiating the dyspnea related to pulmonary effects of heart failure from the dyspnea of pulmonary disease is
- A. Exercise stress testing
- B. A cardiac catheterization
- C. B-type natriuretic peptide (bNP) levels
- D. Serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: bNP is released from the ventricles in response to ventricular stretch and is a good marker for heart failure. If the bNP is elevated, shortness of breath is due to heart failure.
The client on clopidogrel (Plavix) should be monitored for which adverse effect?
- A. Bleeding
- B. Hypertension
- C. Tachycardia
- D. Bradycardia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bleeding. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that can increase the risk of bleeding due to its mechanism of action in preventing blood clot formation. Monitoring for signs of bleeding such as easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, blood in urine or stool is crucial.
Incorrect Choices:
B: Hypertension - Clopidogrel does not typically cause hypertension.
C: Tachycardia - Clopidogrel does not affect heart rate in a way that would lead to tachycardia.
D: Bradycardia - Clopidogrel is not associated with causing bradycardia.
In summary, monitoring for bleeding is essential when a client is on clopidogrel due to its antiplatelet effects, while hypertension, tachycardia, and bradycardia are not typically associated adverse effects of this medication.
For which of the following should Mr. Murphy contact his physician following bypass surgery?
- A. A generalized feeling of being weak and tired
- B. Incisional discomfort for 4 postoperative weeks
- C. The presence of some pink drainage from the leg incision site
- D. Inability to increase walking distance without pain
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Difficulty increasing activity may indicate complications.