A patient who is taking the loop diuretic furosemide is being prescribed the osmotic laxative polyethylene glycol. Which of the risks below should the patient be aware of before starting this new medication?

A. An increased risk for fluid and electrolyte imbalances: Furosemide, a loop diuretic, causes loss of sodium, potassium, and water. Polyethylene glycol, an osmotic laxative, draws water into the intestines, potentially worsening fluid loss and electrolyte disturbances. Combining these medications increases the risk of dehydration, hypokalemia, and other imbalances. B. An increased risk for hepatotoxicity: Neither furosemide nor polyethylene glycol commonly causes liver toxicity. Hepatotoxicity is not a significant concern when these medications are combined. C. An increased risk for constipation: Polyethylene glycol is used to relieve constipation, not cause it. The risk of constipation decreases rather than increases when this laxative is administered. D. An increased risk for developing peptic ulcers: There is no direct association between polyethylene glycol and peptic ulcer formation. Ulcer risk is unrelated to the combination of this laxative with furosemide.