Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 81%
Simulated
A nurse is assessing a school-age child who has heart failure and is taking furosemide. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication that the medication is effective?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: A decrease in peripheral edema. Furosemide is a diuretic that helps the body eliminate excess fluid and sodium, reducing fluid overload and edema in heart failure. Monitoring peripheral edema is crucial as a decrease indicates that the medication is effectively reducing fluid retention.
A: An increase in potassium levels is a potential side effect of furosemide due to potassium loss with diuresis.
C: A decrease in cardiac output would be an adverse effect of heart failure worsening, not an indication of furosemide effectiveness.
D: An increase in venous pressure would suggest worsening heart failure and ineffective furosemide therapy.
A: An increase in potassium levels is a potential side effect of furosemide due to potassium loss with diuresis.
C: A decrease in cardiac output would be an adverse effect of heart failure worsening, not an indication of furosemide effectiveness.
D: An increase in venous pressure would suggest worsening heart failure and ineffective furosemide therapy.