Reference no: EM133807271

Question

Alma Pope is a 78-year-old client with a history of heart failure. Her treatment regimen includes hydrochlorothiazide, digoxin, an ACE inhibitor, and a potassium supplement. She has been hospitalized with acute exacerbation of her heart failure, including a weight gain of 10 lb over the past week, severe edema of her ankles and feet, and difficulty breathing. Furosemide has been added to her drug regimen. The nurse is preparing to administer the first-ordered dose of IV furosemide. (Learning Objectives 2, 3, 6, and 7)

1. Ms. Pope asks what drug the nurse is preparing to administer. Upon learning that it is another type of diuretic, she states, "I'm already on a diuretic. Can't you just give me a bigger dose of that?" How should the nurse respond?

2. Describe the potential adverse effects that may occur with the combination of drugs being given to Ms. Pope. Discuss nursing measures to prevent, detect, and/or manage these adverse effects.

3. Discuss the client teaching related to diuretic therapy that will be necessary for the nurse to provide to Ms. Pope prior to discharge.