A.
It
promotes urine flow by mechanisms that increase sodium excretion from the
kidney.
B.
It
is used to treat edema, hypertension, acute pulmonary edema, and chronic renal
failure.
A.
Dehydration.
B.
Electrolyte
imbalance.
C.
Orthostatic
hypotension.
D.
Nausea
or vomiting.
E.
Lethargy.
F.
Ringing
in the ears.
G.
Dizziness.
H.
Drowsiness.
I.
Hypokalemia.
J.
Hypocalcemia.
K.
Hypomagnesium.
A.
Assess
for fluid retention and report to physician.
B.
Weigh
daily for early detection of fluid retention.
C.
Assess
for and report signs of dehydration (marked thirst, excessive urine output,
dark-colored urine, constipation).
D.
Assess
for and report any signs and symptoms of hypokalemia
(muscle weakness, apathy, cramps, anorexia, vomiting, and fatigue).
E.
Eat
a high-potassium diet (bananas, citrus fruits, potatoes, tomatoes, squash,
nuts, dates, etc.).
F.
Monitor
serum electrolytes.
G.
Eat
a low-sodium diet to decrease retention of fluid.
H.
Increased
or decreased fluid intake, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or high temperatures can
influence resistance of medication.
I.
Expect
an increase in urine output. (Take diuretic in the morning if not ordered
otherwise, to decrease need to urinate at night.)
J.
Limit
or avoid alcohol, barbiturates, and strenuous exercise in hot weather because
of increased rise of orthostatic hypotension.
K.
Report
adverse reactions to physician.
L.
Change
positions slowly to prevent postural hypotension.
M.
Report
signs of Lasix toxicity (ringing in the ears, severe
abdominal pain, sore throat, fever).
N.
Different
brands of furosemide (Lasix)
sometimes produce varying degrees of effectiveness.
O.
Do
not switch brands indiscriminately.