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Furosemide is a loop diuretic. NCLEX tests potassium loss, fluid volume status, blood pressure, renal function, ototoxicity, and the digoxin-hypokalemia trap.
Study aid - not medical advice. Not a clinical decision tool. For NCLEX pharmacology review only.
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1. Check blood pressure, weight trend, edema, lung sounds, and urine output.
2. Review potassium and renal function before administration when ordered.
3. Assess for dehydration: thirst, weakness, dizziness, hypotension, tachycardia, or poor skin turgor.
Notify the provider and follow protocol for severe hypotension, dehydration, very low potassium, worsening renal function, oliguria/anuria, severe dizziness, or hearing changes.
Do not independently replace potassium. Anticipate ordered electrolyte correction.
Watch K+, Na+, Mg++, BUN, creatinine, urine output, daily weight, and blood pressure.
Hypokalemia is the NCLEX headline because it increases dysrhythmia risk and can amplify digoxin toxicity.
Think through the answer before you reveal the rationale.