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?

Choice A Reason: Decreased BUN (blood urea nitrogen) level is incorrect. While furosemide can lead to decreased BUN levels, it is not the primary indicator of its effectiveness. BUN levels can be influenced by various factors, including hydration status and kidney function. Choice B Reason: Increased urinary output is correct. Furosemide is a diuretic medication often prescribed to clients with heart failure to help manage fluid retention. One of the primary therapeutic effects of furosemide is increased urinary output, which indicates that the medication is effectively removing excess fluid from the body. Choice C Reason: Decreased hemoglobin level is incorrect. Furosemide is not directly associated with changes in hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin levels reflect the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and are typically not affected by diuretic therapy. Choice D Reason: Increased weight of 0.91 kg (2 lb.) is incorrect. An increase in weight is not indicative of the medication's effectiveness. In fact, weight gain could be a sign of fluid retention and heart failure exacerbation, which would suggest that the medication may not be working optimally.