The patient is taking furosemide (Lasix) and has been complaining of muscle weakness.The nurse should be most concerned about which imbalance?

A) Hyponatremia
B) Hypokalemia
C) Hypochloremia
D) Hyperchloremia

Hypokalemia causes muscle weakness and if severe,cardiac dysrhythmias.Sodium concentration imbalances really are water imbalances.With hyponatremia,water enters cells by osmosis,causing them to swell.Signs of cerebral dysfunction occur when brain cells swell.Hypochloremia always occurs with other imbalances and has no unique signs and symptoms.Hyperchloremia is abnormally high blood chloride level,which occurs with some types of acidosis,some renal conditions,and other electrolyte imbalances.It also has no unique signs and symptoms.