What should a nurse prioritize assessing in an older adult client receiving IV furosemide for pulmonary edema?

In an older adult client receiving IV furosemide for pulmonary edema, prioritizing the assessment of cardiac, renal, and hepatic function is crucial. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that acts by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle, leading to increased urine output and the reduction of fluid overload, such as that seen in pulmonary edema.

When administering furosemide, monitoring cardiac function is important because the rapid diuresis can affect electrolyte levels, such as potassium, which can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. Additionally, assessing renal function is vital since furosemide can cause dehydration or electrolyte imbalances; monitoring creatinine levels and urine output can help evaluate renal health. Liver function is also relevant, particularly because many patients with pulmonary edema may have underlying conditions that impact hepatic function, which in turn can affect drug metabolism and excretion.

In contrast, while pulmonary function is important and should definitely be monitored in clients with pulmonary edema, it does not directly relate to the potential side effects and complications associated with furosemide administration as closely as cardiac, renal, and hepatic function do. Neurological function, while also valuable, tends to be less directly impacted