What dietary recommendation should a nurse make to a client taking furosemide?

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases the excretion of water and electrolytes, particularly potassium. One significant side effect of taking furosemide is the potential for hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, due to increased urinary potassium loss. Therefore, it is essential for clients taking furosemide to consume foods that are high in potassium to help offset this loss and maintain adequate potassium levels in the body.

Foods high in potassium include bananas, oranges, spinach, potatoes, and avocados, among others. Incorporating these foods into the diet can help maintain normal potassium levels, support proper muscle function, and prevent complications associated with low potassium levels, such as weakness, cramps, or potentially dangerous cardiac issues.

Considering the context of the other dietary recommendations, avoiding potassium-rich foods would not be appropriate since it could exacerbate the risk of hypokalemia. Increasing sodium intake is generally not recommended for individuals on diuretics, as it can lead to fluid retention, counteracting the desired effects of the medication. Additionally, recommending a low-protein diet does not specifically address the critical concern of potassium balance associated with furosemide use. Thus, emphasizing potassium-rich food consumption aligns with appropriate nursing care for clients on f