The nurse is assessing a client with hypocalcemia.
What clinical manifestation would the nurse expect to note in this client?

SIADH is a condition in which your body makes too much antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which controls how your body releases and conserves water.

SIADH makes it harder for your kidneys to release water and causes the levels of electrolytes, like sodium, to fall due to water retention.

This leads to hyponatremia, which is when you have low levels of sodium in your blood.

Choice B is wrong because hypernatremia is when you have high levels of sodium in your blood.

This can occur due to dehydration, excessive salt intake, or kidney problems.

Choice C is wrong because hyperkalemia is when you have high levels of potassium in your blood.

This can occur due to kidney failure, acidosis, or certain medications.

Choice D is wrong because hypokalemia is when you have low levels of potassium in your blood.

This can occur due to vomiting, diarrhea, diuretics, or alkalosis.

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).