Question

What electrolyte imbalances would the nurse monitor for in the patient who is taking a loop diuretic? Select all that apply:*

A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypokalemia
E. Hypomagnesemia

Answer 1

The nurse would monitor for (D) hypokalemia, (E) hypomagnesemia, and (B) hypocalcemia when a patient is taking a loop diuretic because these medications increase urination, leading to potential electrolyte imbalances by promoting the loss of potassium, magnesium, and possibly calcium.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would monitor for certain electrolyte imbalances in a patient taking a loop diuretic. These imbalances include:

• Hypokalemia (D): This condition involves abnormally decreased blood levels of potassium. Loop diuretics can cause a loss of potassium as they inhibit the reabsorption of Na+ and Cl-, increasing urinary output.
  
  
• Hypomagnesemia (E): Similarly, the use of loop diuretics may lead to a decrease in magnesium levels, another vital electrolyte.
  
  
• Hypocalcemia (B): Although less common, loop diuretics can also cause a decrease in calcium levels in the blood.

While loop diuretics help to reduce hypertension by increasing urination and reducing fluid retention, they can disrupt the balance of several electrolytes. Loop diuretics work by inhibiting Na+ and Cl- reabsorption in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle.



This action disrupts the tight regulation of electrolytes in body fluids, causing increased excretion of these ions and their associated water, leading to the possibility of electrolyte imbalances such as hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypocalcemia.