Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

When a patient is prescribed furosemide (Lasix), what important information should be communicated to the patient and family?

1. Potential for allergic reactions

2. Anticholinergic effects

3. Risk of developing diabetes

4. Possible interactions with other drugs

The correct answer is: Anticholinergic effects

The correct response focuses on the potential anticholinergic effects when taking furosemide (Lasix). However, furosemide is primarily a loop diuretic and is not typically associated with anticholinergic effects. Therefore, it's important to note that the other answers may provide a more accurate consideration of the information that should be communicated to patients and their families. For example, informing the patient about the potential for allergic reactions is crucial because some individuals may have hypersensitivity to furosemide, leading to adverse reactions. Additionally, patients should be made aware of possible interactions with other medications they may be taking, as furosemide can interact with various substances and lead to increased risk of side effects or decreased effectiveness of treatment. Discussing the risk of developing diabetes is also pertinent as prolonged use of certain diuretics can affect glucose metabolism, which is particularly important for patients with a predisposition to diabetes. In summary, although the initial choice regarding anticholinergic effects was made, communicating about allergic reactions, medication interactions, and metabolic risks are all vital pieces of information for patient safety and effective management.