A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is taking furosemide. Which of the following findings should the nurse recognize as an adverse effect of this medication?

Furosemide is a loop diuretic commonly used in the management of heart failure to reduce fluid overload and improve cardiac function. It acts on the loop of Henle in the kidneys, promoting the excretion of sodium, chloride, and water. However, it also increases the loss of potassium and other electrolytes, which can lead to significant imbalances. Monitoring for adverse effects is essential to prevent complications such as cardiac dysrhythmias. Rationale: A. Hypoglycemia is not a typical adverse effect of furosemide. Diuretics can have metabolic effects, but loop diuretics do not directly lower blood glucose levels. In some cases, they may actually impair glucose tolerance rather than cause low blood sugar. B. Hypokalemia is a common and clinically significant adverse effect of furosemide due to increased urinary excretion of potassium. Loss of potassium can lead to muscle weakness, cramps, and life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. Regular monitoring of serum potassium levels is essential during therapy. C. Hyperchloremia is not associated with furosemide use. Loop diuretics typically cause loss of chloride along with sodium and potassium, which may lead to hypochloremia rather than elevated chloride levels. Therefore, this finding is inconsistent with the drug’s mechanism of action. D. Hypernatremia is not a typical effect of furosemide. This medication promotes sodium excretion, which can lead to hyponatremia rather than elevated sodium levels. Fluid and electrolyte balance must be closely monitored to prevent complications from excessive sodium loss.