Question

A client has been prescribed furosemide (Lasix) 80 mg twice daily. The cardiac monitor technician informs the nurse that the client has started having rare premature ventricular contractions followed by runs of bigeminy lasting 2 minutes. During the assessment, the nurse determines that the client is asymptomatic and has stable vital signs. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform next?

1) Call the physician.
2) Summon the nurse-manager.
3) Administer potassium.
4) Check the client's potassium level.

Answer 1

The nurse should call the physician next to inform them about the client's cardiac rhythm changes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should perform the action of calling the physician next. While premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and runs of bigeminy can be potential side effects of furosemide (Lasix), it is important for the physician to be aware of these changes in the client's cardiac rhythm. The nurse should communicate this information to the physician for further evaluation and potential changes to the medication regimen.

Administering potassium or checking the client's potassium level may be necessary interventions, as potassium imbalances can contribute to cardiac arrhythmias. However, in this case, since the client is stable and asymptomatic, the priority action is to inform the physician and get guidance on the next steps.