HESI Medical Surgical Assignment Exam Related

Review HESI Medical Surgical Assignment Exam related questions and content

The patient is beginning furosemide and has started a 2-week course of a steroid medication. What should the nurse recommend?

  • A. Avoid consuming licorice to prevent excess potassium loss.
  • B. Report a urine output less than 600 mL/24 hours.
  • C. Obtain an order for a potassium supplement.
  • D. Take the furosemide in the morning.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When a patient is taking furosemide and a steroid medication, there is an increased risk of potassium loss due to the interaction between the two drugs. Consuming licorice should be avoided as it can worsen potassium loss. Reporting a urine output less than 600 mL/24 hours is not directly related to the drug interaction and may not be necessary. Taking furosemide at bedtime is not the primary concern when a patient is concurrently on a steroid medication and furosemide. Therefore, obtaining an order for a potassium supplement is the most appropriate recommendation to counteract the potential potassium loss.