Question

A client with heart failure is scheduled to be discharged to home with digoxin and furosemide as daily prescribed medications. The nurse tells the client to report which finding as an indication that the medications are not having the intended effect?

1.Sudden increase in appetite
2.Weight gain of 2 to 3 lb in a few days 3.Increased urine output during the day 4.Cough accompanied by other signs of respiratory infection

Answer 1

A client taking digoxin and furosemide for heart failure should report a rapid weight gain of 2 to 3 pounds as it suggests fluid retention, indicating that their medications may not be effectively managing their condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client with heart failure who is scheduled to be discharged with digoxin and furosemide should report a weight gain of 2 to 3 lb in a few days as an indication that the medications are not having the intended effect. Digoxin is used to strengthen the heart muscle's contractions and to slow the heart rate in patients with certain types of irregular heartbeat.

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that helps remove excess fluid from the body by increasing urine production. A sudden weight gain suggests fluid retention, which is a sign that heart failure may not be adequately managed by the medications. Increased urine output is typically a desired effect of furosemide, while a cough accompanied by signs of a respiratory infection does not specifically indicate ineffectiveness of heart failure medications, but should still be reported to a healthcare provider.