Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What is a major side effect of Lasix?

1. Hyperkalemia

2. Nausea

3. Hypokalemia

4. Hyponatremia

The correct answer is: Hypokalemia

Lasix, also known as furosemide, is a loop diuretic commonly used to treat conditions like heart failure and edema by promoting the excretion of sodium and water through the urine. A major side effect associated with the use of Lasix is hypokalemia, which is a condition characterized by low levels of potassium in the blood. This occurs because Lasix inhibits the reabsorption of sodium in the loop of Henle in the kidneys, which also leads to increased potassium excretion. As a result, patients taking this medication often require monitoring of their potassium levels and may need supplementation to prevent this adverse effect. It's essential for healthcare providers to be aware of this side effect when prescribing Lasix, as hypokalemia can lead to complications such as muscle weakness, arrhythmias, and fatigue, making it a significant concern in clinical practice. While nausea and hyponatremia can also occur as side effects of Lasix therapy, hypokalemia is particularly noteworthy due to its direct association with the drug's mechanism of action and the potential for serious health implications. Hyperkalemia, on the other hand, is not a common side effect of Lasix, as the medication typically decreases potassium levels rather than increasing them.