A nurse is collecting data from a client who has heart failure and is taking furosemide. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the medication is effective?

A. Increased urinary output. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes diuresis by inhibiting sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys. Increased urinary output indicates the medication is effectively reducing fluid volume, which is beneficial for clients with heart failure to decrease edema and pulmonary congestion. B. Decreased BUN level. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels can fluctuate due to hydration status and kidney function, but a decrease in BUN is not a primary indicator of furosemide’s effectiveness. Instead, BUN levels should be monitored for potential elevation, which could indicate dehydration or renal impairment as an adverse effect of the medication. C. Decreased hemoglobin level. Furosemide does not directly affect hemoglobin levels. A decrease in hemoglobin may indicate anemia, which is not a desired or expected effect of diuretic therapy for heart failure. D. Increased weight of 0.91 kg (2 lb). An increase in weight suggests fluid retention, which would indicate that heart failure is worsening rather than improving. Effective furosemide therapy should lead to weight reduction due to fluid loss, not weight gain.