A nurse is caring for an obese patient who is 3 days ...

[Pineappleeh]

A nurse is caring for an obese patient who is 3 days postoperative. Upon assessment, the nurse discovers that the patient is short of breath, has respirations of 32/minute, and is coughing up pink, frothy sputum.
 
  The nurse should anticipate the administration of which medication?
  a. Mannitol (Osmitrol)
  b. Furosemide (Lasix)
  c. Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL)
  d. Spironolactone (Aldactone)

Question 2

In discussing the rationale for using methadone to ease opioid withdrawal, the nurse would explain that it has which of the following pharmacological properties or characteristics?
 
  a. Methadone has a shorter duration of action than other opioids.
  b. Methadone is a nonopioid agent.
  c. Methadone can prevent abstinence syndrome.
  d. Methadone lacks cross-tolerance with other opioids.

[katheyjon]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Furosemide should be administered to this patient, because it is a rapid and highly effective diuretic, which is indicated for a patient in pulmonary edema, as described. It also can be given intravenously to increase the rapidity of its effectiveness.
Mannitol typically is indicated for patients with increased intracranial pressure caused by increases in cerebrospinal fluid. Mannitol must be stopped immediately if signs of pulmonary congestion or heart failure occur.
Hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone are not indicated for pulmonary edema, because their diuretic effects are less rapid and effective than are needed to manage a patient with pulmonary edema.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Methadone is used to ease opioid withdrawal and can prevent abstinence syndrome.
Methadone does not have a shorter duration of action.
Methadone is not a nonopioid agent.
Methadone does not lack cross-tolerance with other opioids.

[Pineappleeh]

Excellent

[JaynaD87]

TYSM