Generic Name: Furosemide Trade name: Lasix

Pharmacologic Class: Loop Diuretic Usual dose: 20 to 40 mg IV (slowly over 1 to 2 minutes), I

0-80 mg orally once (Max: 600 mg/day)

Action (What does it do? How long does it take to work?): Uses for this medication: edema associated with congestiv
Mobilizes excess fluid and decreases BP. Acts by inhibiting the failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and renal disease (including n
luminal Na-K-Cl cotransporter in the thick ascending loop of syndrome) and high BP (hypertension)
Henle, thus causing more Na, Cl, & K to be excreted in the urine.

Onset: PO 1hr, IV 5 mins Duration: PO 4-6hrs, IV 2hrs

Common side effects: dizziness, headache, hypotension, electrolyte imbalance, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, blurred v

Adverse effects: hypokalemia, hyponatremia, dehydration, hypotension

Clinical Judgment
Pre-administration assessment: What should the nurse assess before administering the medication?
- Vital signs – BP & HR
- Daily weights, I/O
- Respiratory assessment –pulmonary edema?
- Kidney function – Cr, BUN (high = kidney impairment)
- Electrolytes (especially serum *K level – if too low, HOLD)
- Other labes - blood glucose, serum uric acid levels

How will the nurse know if it is appropriate to administer?

- Within safe dose range, no allergy to medication, no hypokalemia, no severe kidney impairment, BP and HR within tar
for order
Post- administration assessment: What should the nurse assess after administering the medication? How will you know if the m
is effective?
Goal: decreased BP, increases urine output, decreased edema
- Daily weights, I/O
- Respiratory assessment
- Monitor for S&S kidney problems - swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or SOB
- Monitor for S&S of liver/pancreas problems - loss of appetite, upper stomach pain (may spread to your back), N/V, dar
urine, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
- Electrolytes - S&S of imbalance: increased thirst/urination, constipation, muscle weakness, leg cramps, numbness or ti
feeling jittery, fluttering in chest

Nursing considerations:
- Older clients = Falls risk (orthostatic HPTN)  change positions gradually
- Consider pre-existing kidney function and impact on kidneys *Lasix is hard on kidneys!
- Using more than recommended dose will not make this medicine more effective. High doses of furosemide may cause
irreversible hearing loss
- Tell your doctor if you have an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or any type of scan using a radioactive dye that is in
into a vein - contrast dyes and furosemide can harm your kidneys
- Instruct client to consult health care professional regarding dietary potassium guidelines
- Instruct client to monitor weight weekly and report significant changes
- Caution patient to use sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent photosensitivity reactions
- Advise diabetic patients to monitor blood glucose closely; may cause increased blood glucose levels.