NCLEX-PN® ExaminationPharmacological TherapiesMedium
A client with a history of heart failure is prescribed furosemide 40 mg PO daily. The LPN reviews the client's laboratory results prior to administration. Which laboratory value is most important for the LPN to monitor in this client?
- AMagnesium (Mg2+)
- BPotassium (K+)
- CCalcium (Ca2+)
- DSodium (Na+)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Potassium (K+)
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes significant excretion of potassium, leading to hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can be life-threatening, especially in clients with heart failure, as it can precipitate cardiac arrhythmias.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Furosemide can also increase magnesium excretion, but potassium is typically the primary electrolyte of concern with loop diuretics due to its direct impact on cardiac function.
- C. Furosemide can increase calcium excretion, but hypocalcemia is generally less acute and less life-threatening than hypokalemia in this context.
- D. While furosemide can affect sodium levels, hypokalemia is a more immediate and critical concern due to its cardiac effects.
Furosemide & Electrolytes
Furosemide, a loop diuretic, primarily causes significant potassium excretion, leading to a risk of hypokalemia, especially in clients with heart conditions.
- Loop diuretic.
- Causes potassium loss.
- Risk of cardiac arrhythmias with hypokalemia.
- Monitor potassium levels closely.
Memory trick: Furosemide: Fluid Out, Potassium Low