What is the primary reason for administering potassium supplements to a patient on furosemide?

Administering potassium supplements to a patient on furosemide is primarily aimed at preventing digoxin toxicity. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes the excretion of sodium and water, but it also leads to a significant loss of potassium. Since digoxin is a medication used to treat heart conditions, including heart failure and atrial fibrillation, maintaining normal potassium levels is essential in patients on digoxin. Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity, which can manifest as dangerous heart rhythms and other serious complications.

Maintaining adequate renal function, preventing hypoglycemia, and managing fluid overload are important considerations in patient care but are not the primary reasons for potassium supplementation in the context of furosemide administration. Specifically, while renal function and fluid status are critical, the immediate concern when a patient is on both furosemide and digoxin is the potential for life-threatening toxicity due to fluctuating potassium levels.