Upon assessment a patient is found to have evidence of ...

[vicotolentino]

Upon assessment a patient is found to have evidence of respiratory compromise from pulmonary edema. A nurse prepares to administer 40 mg of furosemide (Lasix) IV. How should the nurse administer the drug?
 
  a. Give it in an IV push over 10 minutes.
  b. Add the drug to 200 mL of fluid and give it over 20 minutes.
  c. Give it in an IV push over 2 minutes.
  d. Administer it over 2 hours in 250 mL of normal saline.

Question 2

A nurse is working on the patient's plan of care. Which goal, related to achieving therapeutic effects from mannitol (Osmitrol), should the nurse include in the plan of care?
 
  a. Reduce intracranial pressure.
  b. Increase kidney perfusion to increase potassium levels.
  c. Reduce peripheral edema related to left-sided heart failure.
  d. Restore potassium loss related to increased kidney perfusion.

[Zebsrer]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Intravenous administration of furosemide should be done slowly over 1 to 2 minutes.
Administration of furosemide over 10 minutes is not indicated, because the time frame is too long.
Diluting the dose of furosemide is not typically indicated.
Administering the furosemide over 2 hours as an infusion is not typically indicated.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
One of the therapeutic uses of mannitol is the reduction of intracranial pressure.
Mannitol will not increase potassium levels, because it does not re-uptake potassium.
Mannitol actually may cause edema, because it draws water along when it exits the capillaries.
Mannitol has insignificant effects on potassium.

[vicotolentino]

TYSM

[kjohnson]

Excellent