Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with the parent of an infant who is receiving furosemide. The nurse should reinforce with the parent that which of the following laboratory tests will be monitored while the infant is receiving this medication?
A. Potassium
A) Potassium: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause significant potassium loss through increased urine output. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent hypokalemia, which can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Ensuring potassium levels remain within a normal range helps maintain the infant's overall health and safety while on this medication.
B. b. WBC Count
B) WBC Count: While it is important to monitor WBC count in various clinical situations, furosemide does not typically affect white blood cell levels. Therefore, monitoring WBC count is not specifically indicated for infants receiving furosemide unless there is another underlying condition that requires it.
C. Iron
C) Iron: Iron levels are not typically affected by furosemide. Monitoring iron levels would be more relevant in cases of anemia or other hematologic conditions. Furosemide does not interfere with iron metabolism, so this test is not a priority for infants on this medication.
D. Amylase
D) Amylase: Amylase is an enzyme related to the pancreas and is typically monitored in conditions such as pancreatitis. Furosemide does not have a direct effect on amylase levels, so monitoring this enzyme is not necessary for infants receiving this diuretic. The focus should be on electrolytes, particularly potassium.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Answer: A. Potassium
Rationale:
A) Potassium:
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause significant potassium loss through increased urine output. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent hypokalemia, which can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Ensuring potassium levels remain within a normal range helps maintain the infant's overall health and safety while on this medication.
B) WBC Count:
While it is important to monitor WBC count in various clinical situations, furosemide does not typically affect white blood cell levels. Therefore, monitoring WBC count is not specifically indicated for infants receiving furosemide unless there is another underlying condition that requires it.
C) Iron:
Iron levels are not typically affected by furosemide. Monitoring iron levels would be more relevant in cases of anemia or other hematologic conditions. Furosemide does not interfere with iron metabolism, so this test is not a priority for infants on this medication.
D) Amylase:
Amylase is an enzyme related to the pancreas and is typically monitored in conditions such as pancreatitis. Furosemide does not have a direct effect on amylase levels, so monitoring this enzyme is not necessary for infants receiving this diuretic. The focus should be on electrolytes, particularly potassium.
Similar Questions
A nurse is assisting with developing a discharge plan for a client who has a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. The client is independent and lives alone. Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to include?
A. Provide the client with 1 week's supply of insulin syringes
B. Arrange for a home health nurse to visit the client daily
The nurse should plan to arrange for a home health nurse to visit the client daily. Since the client is independent and lives alone, having a home health nurse visit regularly can provide essential support, education, and monitoring of the client's diabetes management. Providing the client with a 1 week's supply of insulin syringes (option a) is important, but it alone does not address the need for ongoing care and support. Notifying the family (option c) may be appropriate, but it is not the primary intervention for ensuring the client's immediate post-discharge needs are met. Referring the client to a diabetic support group (option d) is beneficial for long-term management, but it does not address the immediate need for support and education after discharge.
C. Notify the family of the client's health status
D. Refer the client to a diabetic support group.
A nurse in a pediatric clinic is reviewing the urine laboratory results for an adolescent.
For which of the following results should the nurse notify the provider?
A. Specific gravity 1.020
A specific gravity of 1.020 is within the normal range and indicates appropriate urine concentration.
B. Uric acid 475 mg/24 hr
Uric acid levels of 475 mg/24 hr are not mentioned as abnormal or concerning in the context provided.
C. Ketones positive
Ketones in the urine can be an indication of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or other metabolic disorders. It is abnormal and should be reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. Positive ketones suggest that the body is breaking down fats for energy instead of using glucose, which can be a sign of inadequate insulin levels or utilization.
D. Nitrites negative
Nitrites negative indicates the absence of nitrites in the urine, which is a normal finding and indicates the absence of a urinary tract infection.
Full Explanation
c. Ketones positive.
Explanation:
Ketones in the urine can be an indication of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or other metabolic disorders. It is abnormal and should be reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. Positive ketones suggest that the body is breaking down fats for energy instead of using glucose, which can be a sign of inadequate insulin levels or utilization.
Options a, b, and d are within normal ranges or do not indicate an immediate concern. A specific gravity of 1.020 is within the normal range and indicates appropriate urine concentration. Uric acid levels of 475 mg/24 hr are not mentioned as abnormal or concerning in the context provided. Nitrites negative indicates the absence of nitrites in the urine, which is a normal finding and indicates the absence of a urinary tract infection.
However, it's important to note that clinical judgment should always be exercised, and the nurse should consider the patient's overall clinical presentation and history when interpreting laboratory results and making decisions regarding reporting to the provider.
A nurse is preparing to administer a liquid medication to a 6-month-old infant who is crying. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take to reduce the risk of aspiration?
A. Pinch the infant's nares during administration
B. Administer the whole dose at once
C. Hold the infant in a side-lying position
D. Administer using a needleless syringe in the buccal cavity
To reduce the risk of aspiration, the nurse should administer the liquid medication using a needleless syringe in the buccal cavity. This technique allows for precise administration of small amounts of medication into the side of the infant's mouth, minimizing the risk of choking or aspiration. Pinching the infant's nares (option a) is not necessary for medication administration and can be distressing for the infant. Administering the whole dose at once (option b) increases the risk of aspiration if the infant is unable to swallow all of it. Holding the infant in a side-lying position (option c) may be appropriate for certain situations, but it does not specifically address the risk of aspiration during medication administration.