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A patient with a history of congestive heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which electrolyte imbalance is the patient at risk for developing with furosemide therapy?

  • A. Hyperkalemia
  • B. Hypokalemia
  • C. Hyponatremia
  • D. Hypernatremia nd potassium. Therefore, patients taking furosemide are at risk for developing hypokalemia due to increased potassium excretion.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that works in the ascending loop of Henle to inhibit sodium and chloride reabsorption.
Step 2: Inhibition of sodium reabsorption leads to increased water and electrolyte excretion, including potassium.
Step 3: Increased potassium excretion can lead to hypokalemia, which is a common side effect of loop diuretics like furosemide.
Step 4: Hypokalemia can be dangerous, especially in patients with congestive heart failure, as it can worsen cardiac function and lead to arrhythmias.
Step 5: Therefore, patients with a history of congestive heart failure prescribed furosemide are at risk for developing hypokalemia due to increased potassium excretion.