Heart Failure & Diuretics
This daily home activity helps a patient evaluate if furosemide therapy is working
What is daily morning weight?
A positive Trousseau's sign indicates this electrolyte imbalance.
What is hypocalcemia?
This type of fluid stays primarily in the intravascular space.
What is a colloid?
PRBC are given primarily for this purpose.
What is to increase oxygen-carrying capacity?
The most common s/s of fluid volume excess in kidney disease.
What is weight gain?
A potassium-sparing diuretic often prescribed for heart failure.
What is spironolactone?
This med lowers K+ by causing K+ to be excreted through the GI tract.
What is sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate)?
This IV fluid should be questioned in a patient with increased ICP.
What is a hypotonic fluid?
The only IV fluid compatible with blood transfusions.
What is normal saline?
The best position to reduce lower extremity edema.
What is elevating the legs on pillows?
A patient taking spironolactone and lisinopril should report this symptom immediately because it may indicate hyperkalemia.
What are palpitations?
A sodium level of 155 mEq/L most concerning symptom.
What is lethargy and confusion?
A patient receiving a hypotonic saline develops SOB and cough. The nurse should do this first.
What is pause the infusion and assess the patient?
If a transfusion reaction occurs, the first nursing action is:
What is stop the transfusion?
Fluid in the pleural space from chest tube drainage is classified as this type of fluid shift.
What is third spacing?
A patient a low K+ has scheduled lasix and spironolactone. The safest nursing action is:
What is administer spironolactone and hold furosemide?
This medication combination can rapidly lower potassium by shifting it into cells.
What is insulin and glucose?
The safest action during hypertonic saline (3%) administration.
What is frequent monitoring of serum sodium levels?
A pt develops fever, tachycardia, and hypotension 15 minutes into transfusion. The nurse should:
What is stop transfusion, flush with NS, and notify provider?
This lab values indicates dehydration.
What is elevated: Hct, Na, BUN, Cr, Specific Gravity?
An EKG showing peaked T waves suggests this electrolyte imbalance and requires holding this medication.
What is hyperkalemia, and spironolactone should be held?
This lab value is highest priority to report. Na 141, K 3.8, Ca 12.4, Mg 2.1
What is hypercalcemia (Ca 8.2-10.2 mg/dL)?
This complication of IV fluids is suggested by coarse crackles on lung auscultation.
What is fluid volume excess?
A pt needs PRBCs and IV antibiotic at the same time.
What is start a second IV line?
Older adults cannot rely on this sensation to prevent dehydration.
What is thirst?