The nurse is caring for a patient who takes furosemide (Lasix) daily to treat congestive heart failure. The nurse will watch for which electrolyte imbalance that may occur due to this therapy?

Question

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Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes loss of potassium through the urine. Patients taking this medication are at risk for hypokalemia, so the nurse should check the patient's electrolyte values closely, particularly the serum potassium level.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Takes Furosemide