Mr. Jones, 68 yo male, has heart failure, hypertension anddiabetes. His doctor has prescribed Furosemide 40 mg po daily and apotassium supplement. Because his income is limited, he decides notto purchase the potassium supplement. Mr. Jones takes hisFurosemide daily as prescribed. After 5 days he beginsto experience muscle weakness, constipation, and is dizzy whenstanding. He schedules an appointment with his MD. Mr. Jonespotassium level is 2.9 mEq/L.
1. Which symptoms are indicative ofhypokalemia?
2. Why is Mr. Jones dizzy whenstanding? What should the nurse teach him about position changesand diuretics?
3. What does the nurse need toinclude in patient teaching regarding potassiumsupplementation?
4. Find a web site to use whenteaching the patient about potassium rich foods.
