A nurse is administering furosemide 80 mg PO twice daily to a client who has pulmonary edema.
Which of the following assessment findings indicates to the nurse that the medication is effective?
A.
Adventitious breath sounds.
B.
Elevation in blood pressure.
C.
Weight loss of.8 kg (4 Ib) in the past 24 hr.
D.
Respiratory rate of 24/min.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C. Weight loss of 0.8 kg (4 lb) in the past 24 hours.
Explanation:
Furosemide is a loop diuretic commonly used to treat conditions like pulmonary edema by promoting the excretion of sodium and water through urine, thereby reducing fluid overload. In a patient with pulmonary edema, the goal of furosemide is to alleviate symptoms associated with excess fluid in the lungs, improving respiratory function and overall well-being.
Among the provided options, weight loss is a key indicator of the medication’s effectiveness. A weight reduction of 0.8 kg (approximately 4 pounds) within a 24-hour period typically reflects a significant diuretic effect, indicating that the excess fluid retained in the body is being removed. This weight loss is directly correlated to the reduction in fluid retention, which is critical for managing pulmonary edema. It signifies that the furosemide is functioning as intended, helping to relieve symptoms and improve the patient’s respiratory status.
In contrast, the other options do not provide valid indicators of effectiveness:
- A. Adventitious breath sounds: The presence of abnormal lung sounds (like crackles or wheezes) may indicate ongoing fluid retention or other complications, suggesting that the condition has not improved despite medication administration.
- B. Elevation in blood pressure: This can occur for various reasons, including fluid overload. An increase in blood pressure would not indicate effectiveness; instead, it could suggest that the patient’s condition is worsening or not adequately managed.
- D. Respiratory rate of 24/min: While a slightly elevated respiratory rate may occur with pulmonary edema, it does not specifically indicate that the furosemide is effective. A decreasing respiratory rate would be a more positive sign of treatment success.
In summary, weight loss is a direct measure of fluid elimination, making it the most relevant assessment finding in determining the effectiveness of furosemide in managing pulmonary edema.