One hour after administering IV furosemide (Lasix) to a client with heart failure, a short burst of ventricular tachycardia appears on the cardiac monitor. Which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse suspect?
a. Hypocalcemia
b. Hypermagnesemia
c. Hypokalemia
d. Hypernatremia
Ans: c. Hypokalemia
Furosemide is a potassium-depleting diuretic than can cause hypokalemia. In turn, hypokalemia increases myocardial excitability, leading to ventricular tachycardia.
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