A nurse is caring for a client who is taking furosemide (Lasix) daily to treat heart failure. The nurse recognizes that the client is at risk for which electrolyte imbalance?
A.
Hypokalemia
B.
Hypocalcemia
C.
Hypernatremia
D.
Hyperkalemia
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is A. Hypokalemia.
Explanation:
Furosemide, commonly known as Lasix, is a loop diuretic frequently used to manage conditions such as heart failure, where it helps reduce fluid overload by increasing urine production. While effective in managing symptoms, furosemide can also cause imbalances in electrolytes, primarily due to its mechanism of action in the kidneys.
Furosemide acts on the ascending limb of the loop of Henle in the nephron to inhibit the reabsorption of sodium, potassium, and chloride ions. This inhibition leads to an increased excretion of these electrolytes in the urine. As a result, patients taking furosemide are at risk for several electrolyte imbalances, but hypokalemia is particularly common.
Hypokalemia refers to low potassium levels in the blood. Potassium is crucial for maintaining normal cell function, particularly in muscle and nerve cells, and for maintaining cardiac function. Symptoms of hypokalemia can include muscle weakness, fatigue, arrhythmias, and potentially severe complications if left untreated.
To mitigate the risk of hypokalemia, patients on furosemide are often monitored closely for electrolyte levels, and potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics may be prescribed as needed to help maintain normal potassium levels. Additionally, dietary recommendations may be provided to increase potassium intake through foods such as bananas, oranges, and spinach.
In contrast to hypokalemia, the other options listed:
- Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) is less directly associated with furosemide use. Calcium levels can be affected by various factors, but furosemide’s primary effect is on potassium and sodium.
- Hypernatremia (high sodium levels) is not typically a result of furosemide use; in fact, furosemide usually promotes the excretion of sodium.
- Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) is the opposite of hypokalemia and is more associated with potassium-sparing diuretics, not with loop diuretics like furosemide.
Therefore, close monitoring and management of potassium levels are crucial in patients receiving furosemide therapy.