The patient is ordered furosemide (Lasix). Before administering furosemide, it is most important for the nurse to assess the patient for allergies to which drug class?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Furosemide (Lasix) belongs to the sulfonamide drug class. Patients with allergies to sulfonamides may experience cross-reactivity and have an increased risk of allergic reactions to furosemide. Therefore, it is essential for the nurse to assess the patient for any allergies to sulfonamides before administering furosemide to prevent potential adverse reactions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The area where the highest percentage of sodium and water are reabsorbed back into the bloodstream is the proximal tubule. In the nephron, the proximal tubule is responsible for reabsorbing approximately 65-70% of filtered sodium and water. This reabsorption is crucial for maintaining the body's electrolyte balance and blood volume. The proximal tubule is lined with specialized cells that actively transport sodium ions out of the tubular fluid, creating an osmotic gradient that allows for passive reabsorption of water. This efficient reabsorption process helps to ensure that essential substances are conserved while waste products are excreted in the urine.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Protamine sulfate is the antidote for heparin overdose. Heparin is a commonly used anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting the activity of thrombin and preventing blood clot formation. In the case of an overdose leading to excessive bleeding, protamine sulfate can be administered to neutralize the effects of heparin. Protamine sulfate forms a complex with heparin, therefore reversing its anticoagulant effects and helping to stop the bleeding. This antidote is especially useful in situations where immediate reversal of heparin's effects is necessary to prevent serious complications.

Correct Answer: D

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

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In order to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in a severely immunocompromised patient receiving a blood transfusion, the physician will order irradiation of the donor blood. GVHD is a rare but serious complication that can occur when the donor's T lymphocytes attack the recipient's tissues. Irradiation of the blood eliminates the T lymphocytes, thereby reducing the risk of GVHD in immunocompromised patients. Diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Benadryl) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are commonly used to manage transfusion reactions but do not specifically prevent GVHD. Administering the transfusion slowly over several hours does not directly address the risk of GVHD.