Question

1\. A client with hypertension has an order for furosemide. Which lab finding should be reported to the physician? A. Phosphorus 2.5 mEq/L B. Potassium 1.8 mEq/L C. Calcium 9.4 mg/dl D. Magnesium 2.4 mEq/L

Short answer

Answer: Potassium 1.8 mEq/L

Step-by-step solution

Examine Each Option

Look at each lab finding, compare the results to normal ranges, and consider if the result is relevant in the context of a patient taking furosemide. Option A: Phosphorus 2.5 mEq/L Normal range: 2.5 - 4.5 mEq/L No problem with this value. Option B: Potassium 1.8 mEq/L Normal range: 3.6 - 5.2 mEq/L This value is significantly lower than the normal range. Furosemide is a potassium-wasting diuretic, meaning it can cause low potassium (hypokalemia). Option C: Calcium 9.4 mg/dl Normal range: 8.6 - 10.3 mg/dl No problem with this value. Option D: Magnesium 2.4 mEq/L Normal range: 1.7 - 2.4 mEq/L No problem with this value.

Choose the Lab Finding to Report

Since the potassium level (1.8 mEq/L) is significantly lower than the normal range and furosemide can cause hypokalemia, the nurse should report this lab finding to the physician.

Select the correct answer

Option B (Potassium 1.8 mEq/L) is the correct answer based on the analysis and the significance of furosemide's potential to cause hypokalemia.

Key concepts

Nursing Practice Questions

Nursing practice questions are designed to test your knowledge and decision-making skills in clinical scenarios. When preparing for exams such as the NCLEX-PN, it is important to approach questions systematically. The key strategies include:

• Read the question carefully and identify what it is asking.
• Consider all possible options and rule out answers that do not apply.
• Apply clinical knowledge and critical thinking to determine the most relevant information to the scenario, such as applicable lab values or symptoms.

For instance, in a question where a client on furosemide needs lab values reviewed, noting that furosemide is a potassium-wasting diuretic will guide you to analyze potassium levels critically. Understanding the medication's side effects helps prioritize which lab values are concerning in the context of the drug's action.
Practice questions also often test your ability to integrate knowledge from different areas, like pharmacology and pathophysiology. This can involve understanding drug interactions, potential adverse effects, and how to report abnormal findings effectively.

Laboratory Values

Laboratory values are crucial in diagnosing and managing a patient's condition. It is essential for nurses to know the normal ranges of these values to recognize abnormalities promptly. Some common laboratory values and their normal reference ranges include:

• Potassium: 3.6 - 5.2 mEq/L
• Phosphorus: 2.5 - 4.5 mEq/L
• Calcium: 8.6 - 10.3 mg/dl
• Magnesium: 1.7 - 2.4 mEq/L

When a patient is prescribed medications that impact electrolyte balance, like furosemide, which causes the body to excrete more potassium, monitoring these values becomes particularly important. If potassium levels fall too low, patients can experience muscle weakness, cramps, or arrhythmias, making it a critical lab value to monitor and communicate to physicians if abnormalities arise.
By frequently reviewing and practicing with these lab values, nurses can improve their ability to respond quickly and effectively in clinical situations, ensuring patient safety and optimal care.

Pharmacology for Nurses

Pharmacology for nurses involves understanding how different drugs work and their effects on the body. Nurses must be knowledgeable about medications they administer, including therapeutic uses, side effects, and interactions.
Key areas in pharmacology include:

• Identifying medication classes and their mechanisms of action.
• Understanding side effects and adverse reactions specific to each class of drugs.
• Recognizing contraindications and necessary precautions when administering drugs.

With furosemide, for instance, nurses should know it belongs to the diuretics class, which helps remove excess fluid from the body. One significant side effect to be aware of is hypokalemia, which can occur due to the drug's action of increasing potassium excretion. This knowledge informs the need for regular potassium level checks and possible supplementation to manage this risk.
Nurses play a vital role in patient education, teaching about the importance of medication adherence and informing patients about potential side effects and when to seek medical help. This holistic understanding of pharmacology ensures comprehensive patient care and safety.