The nurse caring for a client reviews the medical record and determines the client is at risk for developing a potassium deficit because of which situation?

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the kidneys to excrete more water and salt, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Electrolyte imbalance can cause muscle cramps, numbness and tingling, weakness and fatigue, and other symptoms.

Therefore, the client should monitor for these signs and report them to the doctor if they occur.

Choice B is wrong because dry mouth is not a sign of electrolyte imbalance, but rather a sign of dehydration.

Dehydration can also cause thirst, decreased urination, drowsiness, and confusion.

Choice E is wrong because tachycardia is not a sign of electrolyte imbalance, but rather a sign of hypovolemia (low blood volume) or hypotension (low blood pressure).

Furosemide can lower blood pressure by reducing fluid volume in the body.

Therefore, the client should also monitor their blood pressure and pulse regularly while taking furosemide.

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).