Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 89%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who receives furosemide to treat heart failure. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor for this client due to this medication?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
Potassium is the primary laboratory value to monitor when a client is on furosemide, a loop diuretic. Furosemide increases the excretion of potassium, which can lead to hypokalemia. This can cause serious cardiac and muscular complications, so regular monitoring of potassium levels is crucial.