ATI Medsurg Proctored Final Exam Related

Review ATI Medsurg Proctored Final Exam related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and a new prescription for furosemide. For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor?

  • A. Hypokalemia
  • B. Hyperkalemia
  • C. Hypernatremia
  • D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss through increased urine output. This can lead to hypokalemia, which can be dangerous in a client with heart failure as it can worsen cardiac function and lead to arrhythmias. The nurse should monitor the client's potassium levels regularly to prevent this adverse effect.

Summary of other choices:
B: Hyperkalemia - Furosemide does not typically cause hyperkalemia.
C: Hypernatremia - Furosemide is a diuretic that can lead to sodium loss, not hypernatremia.
D: Hypertension - Furosemide is actually used to treat hypertension, so it is not an adverse effect of the medication in this scenario.