Nursing homework help? If a client’s current potassium level is 4.0mEq/d is it okay to give Lasix too?

Question

Does it make sense to give both Lasix and potassium to a client?

Answer 1

First, let me get this rant out of the way: I know you're forced into it for now, but please when you finish school, don't ever do anything to a "client." Moving from patient care to client service is a move in the wrong direction.

Diuretics, especially loop diuretics like furosemide (Lasix), cause a lot of potassium excretion, so it makes sense in general to give potassium supplements. Keep in mind that the vast majority of potassium is intracellular, and it takes a large amount of potassium loss for it to be reflected in a lowered serum level, so a normal serum potassium of 4 meq/l in no way assures that total body potassium stores are normal.

Also, you posted your question in an odd way. Something's been lost in the translation, since it looks like you're asking if a normal potassium level is an indication for Lasix therapy. And you said "too" without listing what else your (choke!) client is taking, and why.

Answer 2

Yes. Lasix is a diuretic and due to it's action within the renal tubules causes potassium to be lost into the urine, sometimes leading to hypokalemia (low serum potassium). Many if not all patients on lasix also are on potassium supplements or are encouraged to increase potassium intake in their diets.

Answer 3

PATIENT, not client.  Lawyers have clients.  Advertising executives have clients.  Physicians and nurses have PATIENTS.  Got it?

Now to your question - yes, it makes a lot of sense, because Lasix can cause potassium loss.