The client on furosemide (Lasix) is complaining of muscle cramps. What electrolyte imbalance should the nurse suspect?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium excretion, leading to low potassium levels and muscle cramps. Hypokalemia is associated with muscle weakness and cramps due to altered muscle function. Hyperkalemia (A) is high potassium levels, not typically associated with furosemide. Hyponatremia (B) is low sodium levels, not directly related to furosemide use. Hypocalcemia (C) is low calcium levels, which can cause muscle cramps but is not the most likely electrolyte imbalance with furosemide.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider. With a heart rate of 52 bpm, the client may be experiencing bradycardia, a potential side effect of beta blockers. Holding the medication and informing the healthcare provider is crucial to prevent further complications. Administering the beta blocker (B) can exacerbate bradycardia. Increasing the dose (C) can further decrease the heart rate. Continuing to monitor (D) without intervention can lead to worsening of the bradycardia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because a heart rate of 50 bpm is below the normal range, and beta blockers further decrease heart rate. Holding the medication and notifying the healthcare provider is crucial to prevent potential bradycardia and adverse effects. Administering the beta blocker (choice B) can further reduce the heart rate. Decreasing the dose (choice C) may not be enough to address the issue. Monitoring the heart rate (choice D) is important but not sufficient to address the potential harm caused by administering the beta blocker.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. Digoxin is a medication that can slow down the heart rate, and a heart rate of 45 bpm is below the normal range. Holding the medication and informing the healthcare provider is the priority to prevent potential harm from further slowing the heart rate. Administering the digoxin as ordered (B) would worsen the bradycardia. Increasing the dose of digoxin (C) would be dangerous. Monitoring the client's heart rate and reassessing in 30 minutes (D) may delay necessary intervention.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.