A patient admitted with an infected right stump secondary to a ...

[casperchen82]

A patient admitted with an infected right stump secondary to a below-the-knee amputation (BKA) also has heart failure. The patient is taking gentamicin (Garamycin) and furosemide (Lasix). What patient education should the nurse include?
 
  a. Report any ringing in the ears or dizziness.
  b. Report frequent nocturia.
  c. Elevate the affected extremity.
  d. Immediately report any tendon tenderness.

Question 2

A nurse is caring for a patient with meningitis who is receiving spironolactone (Aldactone). A prescriber writes an order for potassium penicillin. What considerations should the nurse focus on prior to administration?
 
  a. Obtain the blood pressure.
  b. Obtain the serum potassium levels.
  c. Assess the level of consciousness.
  d. Assess the serum sodium levels.

[Chelseyj.hasty]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The risk of furosemide-induced hearing loss is increased by concurrent use of other ototoxic drugs, especially aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as gentamicin. Ringing in the ears or dizziness may indicate impending or actual cochlear damage.
Some nocturia may be expected, especially if furosemide is given late in the evening.
Elevating the extremity helps alleviate swelling but does not address the intent of the question.
Tendonitis is not associated with aminoglycoside or diuretic therapy.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Obtaining potassium levels is essential with a potassium-sparing diuretic, such as spironolactone. If the patient has evidence of hyperkalemia, the medication should be held and the prescriber notified.
Obtaining the patient's blood pressure is more important when one of the more rapidly working diuretics (e.g., furosemide) is used to treat edema secondary to pulmonary edema or heart failure.
Level of consciousness would not be a consideration prior to administration of spironolactone.
Serum sodium levels are not important as they relate to the administration of spironolactone.

[casperchen82]

Both answers were spot on, thank you once again

[Chelseyj.hasty]

Great! Please up vote