A patient is brought to the emergency department with shortness ...

[eruditmonkey@yahoo.com]

A patient is brought to the emergency department with shortness of breath, a respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute, intercostal retractions, and frothy, pink sputum. The nurse caring for this patient will expect to administer which drug?
 
  a. Furosemide (Lasix)
  b. Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL)
  c. Mannitol (Osmitrol)
  d. Spironolactone (Aldactone)

Question 2

A college student is brought to the emergency department by a group of friends who report that they had been dancing at a nightclub when their friend collapsed.
 
  The patient has a temperature of 105 F and shows jaw clenching and confusion. The nurse will expect to administer which medication?
  a. Dantrolene (Dantrium)
  b. Haloperidol (Haldol)
  c. Methadone
  d. Naloxone (Narcan)

[meganlapinski]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Furosemide, a potent diuretic, is used when rapid or massive mobilization of fluids is needed. This patient shows severe signs of congestive heart failure with respiratory distress and pulmonary edema and needs immediate mobilization of fluid. Hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone are not indicated for pulmonary edema, because their diuretic effects are less rapid. Mannitol is indicated for patients with increased intracranial pressure and must be discontinued immediately if signs of pulmonary congestion or heart failure occur.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
This patient shows signs of Ecstasy toxicity. Dantrolene can be given to relax skeletal muscle to reduce heat generation and prevent the risk of rhabdomyolysis. The other medications are not used to treat Ecstasy toxicity.

[eruditmonkey@yahoo.com]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[scottmt]

Excellent