A patient with hypertension is taking furosemide (Lasix) for ...

[saraeharris]

A patient with hypertension is taking furosemide (Lasix) for congestive heart failure. The prescriber orders digoxin to help increase cardiac output. What other medication will the nurse expect to be ordered for this patient?
 
  a. Bumetanide (Bumex)
  b. Chlorothiazide (Diuril)
  c. Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL)
  d. Spironolactone (Aldactone)

Question 2

A patient who was in a motor vehicle accident sustained a severe head injury and is brought into the emergency department. The provider orders intravenous mannitol (Osmitrol). The nurse knows that this is given to:
 
  a. reduce intracranial pressure.
  b. reduce renal perfusion.
  c. reduce peripheral edema.
  d. restore extracellular fluid.

[lou]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Spironolactone is used in conjunction with furosemide because of its potassium-sparing effects. Furosemide can contribute to hypokalemia, which can increase the risk of fatal dysrhythmias, especially with digoxin administration. The other diuretics listed are all potassium-wasting diuretics.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that is used to reduce intracranial pressure by relieving cerebral edema. The presence of mannitol in blood vessels in the brain creates an osmotic force that draws edematous fluid from the brain into the blood. It can also be used to increase renal perfusion. It can cause peripheral edema and is not used to restore extracellular fluid.

[saraeharris]

Excellent

[amcvicar]

TYSM