A client is prescribed furosemide, a loop diuretic, for hypertension.
The nurse should instruct the client to monitor for which of the following signs of electrolyte imbalance (Select all that apply).

Dysuria, which means pain or a burning sensation when peeing, is a common symptom of urinary tract infection (UTI).

UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract through the urethra and spreading to the bladder or kidneys.

Choice A is wrong because nausea is not a specific symptom of UTI, although it may occur if the infection spreads to the kidneys.

Choice B is wrong because diarrhea is not a symptom of UTI, but rather a condition that affects the digestive system.

Choice D is wrong because constipation is also not a symptom of UTI, but a problem with bowel movements.

Normal ranges for urine tests vary depending on the type of test and the laboratory that performs it.

However, some general ranges are:

Specific gravity: 1.005 to 1.030

pH: 4.6 to 8.0

Protein: less than 150 mg/dL Glucose: less than 130 mg/dL Ketones: none

Blood: none Nitrites: none

Leukocyte esterase: none Bacteria: none or few

White blood cells: less than 5 per high-power field Red blood cells: less than 3 per high-power field Epithelial cells: few

Furosemide is a diuretic that lowers blood pressure by increasing urine output and reducing fluid volume in the body.

One of the possible adverse effects of furosemide is hypotension, which is low blood pressure.

This can cause symptoms such as dizziness, faintness, confusion, or weakness.

The nurse should monitor the client’s blood pressure and report any signs of hypotension to the doctor.

Choice A is wrong because hypertension, which is high blood pressure, is not a common side effect of furosemide.

In fact, furosemide is used to treat hypertension in some cases.

Choice B is wrong because hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar, is not a common side effect of furosemide.

Furosemide does not affect blood sugar levels directly.

However, it may interact with some medications that lower blood sugar, such as insulin or oral antidiabetic drugs.

The nurse should check the client’s medication history and monitor their blood sugar levels if they are taking any of these drugs.

Choice C is wrong because hyperkalemia, which is high potassium levels in the blood, is not a common side effect of furosemide.

Furosemide belongs to a class of diuretics called loop diuretics, which lower potassium levels by increasing its excretion in the urine.

One of the possible adverse effects of furosemide is hypokalemia, which is low potassium levels in the blood.

This can cause symptoms such as muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat, or numbness.

The nurse should monitor the client’s potassium levels and advise them to eat foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, or potatoes.

Normal ranges for blood pressure are 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg.

Normal ranges for blood sugar are 4.0 mmol/L to 7.8 mmol/L (72 mg/dL to 140 mg/dL).

Normal ranges for potassium are 3.5 mmol/L to 5.0 mmol/L (3.5 mEq/L to 5.0 mEq/L).