A client with heart failure (HF), who is taking furosemide, reports having muscle cramps and weakness in the lower extremities. Which action should the nurse implement?

Rationale: A. Encourage the use of salt with meals: Increasing sodium intake is contraindicated in heart failure, as it worsens fluid retention and edema. This would aggravate the client’s condition rather than address the underlying problem of muscle cramps. B. Collect blood for serum electrolytes: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause significant potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia. Muscle cramps and weakness are hallmark symptoms of low potassium, so checking serum electrolytes is necessary to confirm the cause and guide treatment. C. Restrict potassium rich foods: Potassium restriction is not appropriate because the client is more likely experiencing hypokalemia from diuretic therapy. Restricting potassium could further worsen the electrolyte imbalance and symptoms. D. Stretch the foot into dorsiflexion: Dorsiflexion may provide temporary relief of a muscle cramp, but it does not address the potential electrolyte disturbance. The priority is to identify and correct the underlying cause of the client’s symptoms.