CRNE Exam Prep

Category - Changes in Health

Jane is a 54-year-old female who was recently diagnosed with pulmonary edema. Furosemide, given through intravenous route, is ordered to the client. The nurse caring for the client reviews Jane’s chart and finds out that she is also ordered to take digoxin. Which of the following is the priority action of the nurse?
  1. Check the client’s most recent potassium level.
  2. Check the client’s pulse rate.
  3. Contact the physician and verify the order.
  4. Check the client’s creatinine levels.
Explanation
Answer: A - The nurse should check for the client’s most recent potassium level. A client on furosemide therapy has an increased risk for hypokalemia. The risk of developing digoxin toxicity increases with hypokalemia. Insufficient potassium levels in the blood can also increase the client’s risk for ventricular dysrhythmias. The physician is contacted if the client’s serum potassium level is not within the normal range.
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