Pharmacological and Parenteral TherapiesQuestion 235 of 2368
A client is starting a loop diuretic. Why might the provider also prescribe a potassium supplement?
- Diuretics increase aldosterone-driven potassium retention in the kidneys
- Potassium is needed to keep sodium and water from being lost in the urine
- Potassium is lost in the urine along with the extra water the diuretic removes
- Diuretics raise the risk of hyperkalemia, so potassium supplements are needed
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Correct answer: Potassium is lost in the urine along with the extra water the diuretic removes
Potassium is poorly conserved and much is lost in urine, so loop and thiazide diuretics often require supplements.
Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Fluids and Electrolytes: Potassium. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026