A practical nurse is reviewing morning laboratory results before administering a scheduled dose of oral furosemide to a client. The client's serum potassium level is reported as 2.8 mEq/L. Which action should the nurse take?
- AVerify the client's identity using two identifiers and proceed with administering the medication.
- BAdminister the furosemide as prescribed and document the laboratory result in the client's record.
- Withhold the furosemide and report the potassium level to the registered nurse immediately.Cevap
- DAdminister half of the prescribed furosemide dose to minimize further potassium loss.
Cevap
The correct action is to withhold the furosemide and report the potassium level to the registered nurse immediately.
Furosemide is a potassium-wasting loop diuretic. A serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L represents significant hypokalemia, as the normal range is typically 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Administering furosemide would further deplete the client's potassium levels, placing the client at high risk for lethal cardiac dysrhythmias. The practical nurse is acting safely and within their scope of practice by recognizing the dangerous interaction, withholding the medication, and immediately escalating the critical finding to the registered nurse.
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Pre-administration Assessment and Withholding Criteria for Diuretics