Practice Question
A 66-year-old patient with heart disease requires ampicillin (Principen) IV for an infection. Which overnight change in the patient’s assessment findings is the nurse’s priority?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Weight gain of 0.68 kg
Rationale:
🔹 In a patient with heart disease, even a small, rapid weight gain (0.68 kg / ~1.5 lbs overnight) is a priority finding.
🔹 This usually indicates fluid retention, which can signal worsening heart failure or decreased cardiac output.
🔹 Early fluid buildup may progress to pulmonary edema, dyspnea, and decompensated heart failure if not addressed.
🔹 The other findings — potassium 4.0 mEq/L (normal), heart rate 94 regular (within acceptable range), and hemoglobin 10.5 g/dL (low but stable) — are not as immediately threatening.
🔹 Prompt recognition of fluid retention allows for interventions such as adjusting IV fluids, diuretics, or cardiac monitoring.
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This question is from ☑️Rn Pharmacology which contains 77 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: ATI Exam(s)
- Domain: RN ATI Pharmacology
- Answer Choices: 4