NCO Fluid and Electrolytes Practice Exam

The concern prompting a nurse to inquire about potassium supplements when a client is prescribed furosemide (Lasix) with digoxin is grounded in the relationship between furosemide and serum potassium levels. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes the excretion of sodium and potassium through the kidneys. This can lead to significant potassium depletion, which is crucial to monitor because adequate serum potassium levels are essential for various physiological functions, including the proper action of digoxin.

When serum potassium levels drop too low (hypokalemia), it can enhance the therapeutic effects of digoxin but also considerably increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Thus, it becomes imperative to maintain sufficient potassium levels to enable effective diuresis while ensuring the safety of the client being treated with digoxin. This connection between potassium levels, diuresis effectiveness, and digoxin safety underscores the importance of monitoring potassium supplementation in this context.