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A nurse is caring for a client who is being treated for heart failure and has a prescription for furosemide. The nurse should plan to monitor for which of the following adverse effects of the medication?

a. Hyperkalemia.

b. Hypoglycemia.

c. Hyponatremia.

d. Hypercalcemia.

User Sarasvati
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Final answer:

When a client is treated with furosemide for heart failure, the nurse should monitor for hyponatremia, an adverse effect characterized by low levels of sodium in the blood. Other effects such as hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia, and hypercalcemia are less likely or not typically associated with furosemide.

Step-by-step explanation:

Adverse Effects of Furosemide

A client being treated for heart failure with furosemide should be monitored for several potential adverse effects. Since furosemide is a diuretic that works on the loop of Henle and inhibits the reabsorption of sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-), it can lead to increased urination and the potential for an electrolyte imbalance. One of the specific adverse effects to monitor for is hyponatremia, which is characterized by low sodium levels in the blood and can cause symptoms such as dehydration and reduced blood pressure. Unlike the other options listed, hyponatremia is a common side effect associated with the use of loop diuretics like furosemide.

Option a (Hyperkalemia) is unlikely as furosemide tends to cause hypokalemia, which is a decrease in potassium levels. Option b (Hypoglycemia) is not typically related to diuretic use. Lastly, option d (Hypercalcemia) is incorrect since furosemide can actually lead to hypocalcemia, a reduction in calcium levels, rather than an increase.

User Andreas Bombe
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