A 59-year-old client is prescribed furosemide 40 mg twice a day for the management of heart failure. The practical nurse should monitor the client for the development of which complication?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits the reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the kidneys, leading to increased potassium excretion and potentially causing hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can lead to cardiac irregularities, making it crucial for the practical nurse to monitor the client for this electrolyte imbalance.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A heart rate of 60 beats/min for a 6-month-old infant warrants immediate intervention as it falls below the normal range. The normal heart rate for a 6-month-old is 80 to 150 beats/min when awake, and a rate of 70 beats/min while sleeping is considered within normal limits. Bradycardia (heart rate <60 beats/min) in infants can be a sign of digoxin toxicity, necessitating prompt evaluation and intervention to prevent adverse effects.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client taking levodopa-carbidopa for Parkinson's disease is to increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration. Levodopa-carbidopa should be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset and improve absorption. Taking medication at bedtime is not necessary to avoid daytime drowsiness, and it is essential to prevent dehydration due to the medication's side effects.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Weight gain. Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid medication that can cause fluid retention and increased appetite, leading to weight gain as a common side effect. Option A) Nausea and vomiting are less likely side effects of methylprednisolone compared to weight gain. Option C) Insomnia is not a commonly associated side effect of methylprednisolone. Corticosteroids can actually cause drowsiness in some individuals. Option D) Increased appetite is a possible side effect of methylprednisolone, but the key concern in this case is the weight gain that can result from the combination of increased appetite and fluid retention. Educationally, it is important for nurses to understand the common side effects of medications to effectively monitor and manage their patients. In the case of corticosteroids like methylprednisolone, educating patients about potential side effects such as weight gain can help them make informed decisions and adhere to their treatment plans. Monitoring for side effects also allows for timely intervention to minimize any negative impacts on the patient's health.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When a client is prescribed lamotrigine, the nurse should closely monitor for the potential side effect of skin rash. Lamotrigine is known to cause skin rashes, which can be mild or severe, indicating a serious adverse reaction like Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Monitoring for skin rash is crucial to detect any signs of severe allergic reactions early and prevent further complications.