ATI Nursing Practice Question: Fundamentals of Nursing

Question:
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for furosemide. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. “Take this medication at bedtime.”
B. “Increase your intake of potassium-rich foods.”
C. “Avoid foods that are high in sodium.”
D. “Take with an antacid if you experience stomach upset.”

Correct Answer:
B. “Increase your intake of potassium-rich foods.”

Rationale:

Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic that causes the kidneys to excrete sodium, chloride, and water, along with potassium, leading to the risk of hypokalemia. To prevent this, clients should increase potassium-rich foods like bananas, spinach, or oranges.

Option A is incorrect because diuretics taken at bedtime may cause nocturia (frequent urination at night), which disrupts sleep.
Option C is partially correct, as low sodium intake is beneficial for hypertension, but it’s not the primary teaching point for furosemide use.
Option D is incorrect because antacids can interfere with medication absorption and are not generally recommended with diuretics unless prescribed.

Extra Tip (ATI Exam Strategy):

When answering ATI-style questions, always look for priority patient education, side effects, and nursing interventions. Eliminate distractors by thinking: What does this drug do? What are the nursing implications?