A 2-year-old boy is admitted with fluid overload secondary to a cardiac defect. The provider prescribes furosemide 10 mg IV every 2 hours X 4 doses. The nurse recognizes which of the following laboratory results as a side effect of furosemide?

Explanation

• Furosemide (Lasix) is a potassium-wasting loop diuretic that can cause severe fluid loss and electrolyte depletion. Hypokalemia is a common side effect of this medication.

Reference ranges for a 2-year-old male:

Potassium: 3.4 to 4.7 mEq/L
Magnesium: 1.4 to 1.7 mEq/L
Hemoglobin: 9.5 to 14 g/dl
Sodium: 136 to 145 mEq/L

• Incorrect: Although the patient's lab results show hypermagnesemia and anemia, these are not generally associated with furosemide.

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