What supplemental medication is most frequently ordered in conjunction with furosemide (Lasix)?
A. Chloride
B. Digoxin
C. Potassium
D. Sodium
Correct Answer: C. Potassium
Supplemental potassium is given with furosemide because of the potassium loss that occurs as a result of this diuretic. Loop diuretics act at the ascending loop of Henle in the kidney and help the body push out extra fluid that could accumulate in the lungs or legs and ankles when the heart is unable to completely pump blood throughout the body. But they may also cause the body to eliminate excessive amounts of potassium, which might be expected to increase mortality from heart arrhythmias. As a precaution, therefore, many doctors prescribe potassium supplements to their patients receiving loop diuretics.
Option A: Chloride isn’t lost during diuresis. Continued use of diuretics, will cause some overall sodium and chloride loss. The body, however, has a natural way of compensating for these losses by reducing the excretion of sodium and chloride and stabilizing the amount of sodium, chloride, and water in the body. In this manner, fluid depletion usually is prevented.
Option B: Digoxin acts to increase contractility but isn’t given routinely with furosemide. People with heart failure who take digoxin are commonly given medicines called diuretics. These drugs remove excess fluid from the body. Many diuretics can cause potassium loss. A low level of potassium in the body can increase the risk of digitalis toxicity.
Option D: Sodium is not lost during diuresis. Diuretic drugs increase urine output by the kidney (i.e., promote diuresis). This is accomplished by altering how the kidney handles sodium. If the kidney excretes more sodium, then water excretion will also increase.