What should a nurse teach a client with heart failure about furosemide?

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of rising slowly when getting out of bed, particularly for clients with heart failure. This is relevant because furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to decreased blood volume and electrolyte imbalances, resulting in potential hypotension or dizziness when standing up. Patients may experience orthostatic hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions; thus, educating them to rise slowly can help prevent falls and promote safety.

In contrast, taking the medication on an empty stomach is not a preferred recommendation, as furosemide can be taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset. Limiting fluid intake to a specific amount, such as 2 liters, is another important management strategy in heart failure but should be individualized based on the client's overall health status and physician's recommendations. Expecting immediate weight gain is misleading, as the intended effect of furosemide is fluid removal, which typically results in weight loss, not gain.