Question

A nurse is caring for a 65-year-old client with lung cancer who is receiving the second unit of a packed red blood cells transfusion. Assessment reveals dyspnea, tachycardia, neck vein distention, and rales on chest auscultation. The nurse expects to administer which of the following drugs? ? A. Dexamethasone (Decadron) ? B. Furosemide (Lasix) ? C. Propranolol (Inderal) ? D. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Short answer

Answer: B. Furosemide (Lasix)

Step-by-step solution

Analyze symptoms

First, consider the symptoms that the client is experiencing: dyspnea (difficulty breathing), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), neck vein distention (swelling), and rales on chest auscultation (crackling sounds heard when listening to the lungs). These symptoms suggest the client may be experiencing fluid overload or an adverse transfusion reaction.

Investigate each medication

Next, we will look at each medication option and its uses: A. Dexamethasone (Decadron) - a corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. It is possibly used to treat allergic transfusion reactions. However, it is not typically used for fluid overload. B. Furosemide (Lasix) - a diuretic used to help remove excess fluid from the body. It is often administered in cases of fluid overload and pulmonary edema. C. Propranolol (Inderal) - a beta-blocker used to lower high blood pressure, prevent angina (chest pain), and treat certain heart conditions. Not typically used to treat fluid overload or transfusion reactions. D. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) - an antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms. Can be used for mild transfusion reactions but not effective for fluid overload.

Select the appropriate medication

Given the client's symptoms and the medications' uses, the nurse is most likely to administer furosemide (Lasix) to address the fluid overload issue. Therefore, the correct answer is: ? B. Furosemide (Lasix)