A nurse is collecting data from a child who has heart failure and is taking furosemide. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication that the medication is effective?

A. A decrease in the child's edema is correct. Furosemide is a loop diuretic used to remove excess fluid from the body, which helps reduce symptoms of heart failure such as peripheral or pulmonary edema. A reduction in swelling indicates that the medication is effectively removing excess fluid. B. An increase in the child's respiratory rate is incorrect. Furosemide should help relieve fluid overload, including pulmonary congestion, which would improve breathing and decrease respiratory distress. An increased respiratory rate could indicate worsening heart failure. C. A decrease in the child's appetite is incorrect. While furosemide can cause side effects such as electrolyte imbalances, loss of appetite is not a primary indicator of medication effectiveness. Appetite changes could signal an adverse effect rather than a therapeutic response. D. An increase in the child's potassium level is incorrect. Furosemide causes potassium loss through increased urination, which can lead to hypokalemia. An increase in potassium levels would be unexpected and could indicate another issue unrelated to the medication's effectiveness.