A nurse is caring for a 76-year-old patient with an exacerbation of congestive heart failure. The patient has been receiving furosemide 80 mg IV every 12 hours and has had a total urine output of 3.8 liters in the last 24 hours. The patient's recent laboratory work reveals a serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L. The nurse reports this lab result to the doctor and anticipates which of the following orders? 

Explanation

•A patient on diuretics for congestive heart failure with increased urine output may have decreased serum potassium levels. This occurs when the kidneys produce large amounts of urine output where potassium is excreted.

•A potassium level of less than 3.5 mEq/L will require supplemental potassium replacement to prevent cardiac arrhythmias.

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