A nurse is planning to teach a client about a high-potassium diet. Which of the following foods should the nurse instruct the client to eat? (Select all that apply)

• Choice A Reason: This is the correct answer because potassium 2.9 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which is a common and potentially lifethreatening adverse effect of furosemide. Hypokalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and paralysis. The nurse should report this finding to the provider and monitor the client's vital signs and electrocardiogram.
• Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because calcium 8.2 mg/dL is within the normal range of 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL. Furosemide does not affect calcium levels significantly, and this result does not indicate an urgent problem for the client.
• Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because phosphorus 4.5 mEq/L is within the normal range of 2.5 to 4.5 mEq/L. Furosemide does not affect phosphorus levels significantly, and this result does not indicate an urgent problem for the client.
• Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because sodium 145 mEq/L is within the normal range of 135 to 145 mEq/L. Furosemide can cause hyponatremia, which is a low sodium level, but this result does not indicate that condition. The nurse should monitor the client's fluid balance and intake and output, but this result does not require immediate action.

Choice A: Measure body weight every day is correct because body weight is an indicator of fluid balance and can help monitor the effectiveness of the medication. The nurse should instruct the patient to weigh themselves at the same time each day, preferably in the morning, and report any significant changes to the provider.

Choice B: Expect urination to increase is correct because furosemide is a diuretic that works by blocking the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidneys, thus increasing urine output and reducing fluid volume. The nurse should instruct the patient to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance and to avoid taking the medication at night to prevent nocturia and sleep disturbance.

Choice C: Taking the medication before going to sleep is incorrect because taking furosemide at night can cause nocturia and sleep disturbance, as well as increase the risk of falls. The nurse should instruct the patient to take the medication in the morning or early afternoon and to avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can also increase urination.

Choice D: Report swelling of the face or hands is correct because swelling of the face or hands can indicate an allergic reaction or angioedema, which are rare but serious side effects of furosemide. The nurse should instruct the patient to stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if they experience swelling of the face or hands, as well as difficulty breathing, hives, or itching.

Choice E: Expecting to feel weak and dizzy is correct because weakness and dizziness are common side effects of furosemide, especially when starting or increasing the dose. The nurse should instruct the patient to rise slowly from a sitting or lying position and to use caution when driving or performing other activities that require alertness. The nurse should also instruct the patient to report any signs of hypotension, such as fainting, blurred vision, or chest pain.