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Difficulty: EasyPhysiological Adaptation

Following the administration of intravenous furosemide to a client with heart failure, the practical nurse reviews the newly reported laboratory values. Which result indicates an urgent need to notify the registered nurse?

  1. A
    A sodium level of 139 mEq/L139\text{ mEq/L}
  2. A potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L2.8\text{ mEq/L}Answer
  3. C
    A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 16 mg/dL16\text{ mg/dL}
  4. D
    A fasting blood glucose level of 98 mg/dL98\text{ mg/dL}

Answer

A potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L2.8\text{ mEq/L}
Furosemide is a potassium-wasting loop diuretic. A potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L2.8\text{ mEq/L} is significantly below the normal range (3.53.5 to 5.0 mEq/L5.0\text{ mEq/L}) and represents severe hypokalemia. This condition can trigger life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, making it a critical value that requires immediate notification and intervention.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the medication classification and its primary adverse effects.
Furosemide is a loop diuretic known to cause the depletion of electrolytes, particularly potassium.
Understanding the medication helps anticipate potential physiological complications.
2
Evaluate each laboratory value against adult normal reference ranges.
The sodium, BUN, and glucose levels are normal. The potassium level is significantly low (normal is 3.53.5 to 5.0 mEq/L5.0\text{ mEq/L}).
Nurses must differentiate between expected baseline values and critical abnormalities.
3
Prioritize the abnormal finding for immediate reporting.
The hypokalemia is prioritized because it poses an immediate, life-threatening risk.
Low potassium can lead to fatal cardiac dysrhythmias, necessitating prompt medical intervention.

Key Concept

Furosemide-induced hypokalemia and prioritization of critical laboratory values.
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Physiological Adaptation

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