What is the first action a practical nurse should take after administering Furosemide (Lasix) to a patient with acute pulmonary edema?

After administering Furosemide (Lasix), which is a diuretic used to treat acute pulmonary edema, the primary focus should be on assessing urine output. Furosemide works by promoting diuresis (increased urine production), which helps to reduce fluid overload in the lungs, a key issue in pulmonary edema. Therefore, monitoring how much urine the patient produces is crucial. This assessment provides immediate feedback on the effectiveness of the medication and the patient's response to treatment.

While assessing the patient's breathing, monitoring vital signs, and documenting the medication administration are all important actions, they are secondary to evaluating urine output in this scenario. The effectiveness of Furosemide is reflected initially in the patient's urine output, indicating whether the body is effectively eliminating excess fluid. This information is vital for determining the next steps in managing the patient's condition.