Question

The client is diagnosed with heart failure. The nurse receives a new prescription to administer IV chlorothiazide. The nurse questions this prescription based on which laboratory value? (Select all that apply.)

A) Serum sodium = 128 mEq/L (128.0 mmol/L).
B) Serum calcium = 12 mg/dL (3 mmol/L).
C) Serum potassium = 5.3 mEq/L (5.3 mmol/L).
D) Serum pH = 7.48.
E) BUN = 15 mg/dL (5.35 mmol/L).
F) Urine specific gravity = 1.022.

Answer 1

The nurse should question the prescription to administer IV chlorothiazide based on the laboratory values of serum sodium and serum potassium.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should question the prescription to administer IV chlorothiazide based on the laboratory value of serum sodium = 128 mEq/L (128.0 mmol/L) and serum potassium = 5.3 mEq/L (5.3 mmol/L).

In heart failure, it is important to monitor the electrolyte levels, especially serum sodium and potassium, as they can be indicative of fluid and electrolyte imbalance. A low serum sodium level (hyponatremia) and a high serum potassium level (hyperkalemia) can occur in heart failure and may worsen with the administration of chlorothiazide, a diuretic that can further decrease sodium and increase potassium levels.