SIDE EFFECTS
Q: This common side effect happens because furosemide increases urine output.
A: What is peeing more than normal?
Q: This electrolyte imbalance causes muscle cramps, weakness, and an irregular heartbeat.
A: What is hypokalemia (low potassium)?
Q: Furosemide is commonly prescribed to manage fluid overload related to this cardiac condition.
A: What is heart failure?
Q: Is severe dizziness, fainting, or confusion normal, or should the provider be notified?
A: What is notify the provider?
Q: Furosemide is usually taken at this time of day to avoid nighttime waking.
A: What is the morning?
Q: This side effect makes clients want to drink more water due to fluid loss.
A: What is feeling thirsty?
Q: Severe dehydration and this cardiovascular complication can occur if the dose is too strong.
A: What is hypotension?
Q: This pulmonary emergency may require IV furosemide to rapidly remove fluid.
A: What is pulmonary edema?
Q: If a patient taking furosemide has muscle cramps, weakness, or an irregular heartbeat, what should they do?
A: What is contact the provider? (Possible electrolyte imbalance)
Q: If furosemide is taken twice daily, the second dose should be taken at this time of day.
A: What is the afternoon (not at night)?
Q: These two symptoms can happen from fluid loss and mild dehydration and may include spinning or discomfort.
A: What are dizziness and headache?
Q: High-dose or rapid IV furosemide puts the patient at risk for this hearing-related adverse reaction.
A: What is ototoxicity?
Q: Furosemide treats swelling caused by liver or kidney disease—this swelling is called what?
A: What is edema?
Q: A patient reports hearing loss after IV furosemide. Is this expected?
A: What is no—notify the provider (possible ototoxicity)?
Q: Taking furosemide with this may reduce nausea.
A: What is food?
Q: These two GI symptoms may occur and can be reduced by taking furosemide with food.
A: What are nausea and vomiting?
Q: Confusion and fatigue can be signs of this electrolyte imbalance.
A: What is hyponatremia (low sodium)?
Q: This chronic condition with elevated BP may be treated with furosemide, although it is not first-line.
A: What is hypertension?
Q: A client reports no urination for 12 hours. Is this a normal effect of a diuretic?
A: What is no—notify the provider immediately?
Q: Clients should avoid doing this too quickly due to the risk of orthostatic hypotension.
A: What is rising quickly from sitting or lying positions?
Q: This symptom in the mouth occurs due to dehydration caused by diuresis.
A: What is dry mouth?
Q: This serious ADR involves impaired renal function and may present as decreased urine output.
A: What is kidney dysfunction?
Q: Furosemide can be used when fluid buildup occurs due to diseases in this organ responsible for filtering the blood.
A: What are the kidneys?
Q: Severe stomach pain that radiates to the back may indicate pancreatitis. Should this be reported?
A: What is yes—notify the provider?
Q: Patients should monitor this every day and report rapid changes of 2–3 lbs in one day.
A: What is daily weight?