Question

Mrs. Jones is a 67 year old female who was placed on the diuretic Lasix about 8 months ago. She now complains of weakness and she feels like her heart is "skipping". Her diet history reveals that she has had decreased intake and eats mostly ready-to-eat foods such as pre-made sandwiches or frozen dinners and does not eat any fresh fruits or vegetables. What mineral deficiency do you suspect? (5) What factors in her history led you to that conclusion? (5) What dietary recommendations would you make?

Answer 1

Answer:

hypokalemia

Explanation:

Furosemide (Lasix diuretics) is a potent diuretic that if administered in excessive amounts, can produce deep diuresis with loss of water and electrolytes. Excessive diuresis can cause hypokalemia, which causes the muscles to weaken, experience cramping or shaking and also lead to arrhythmias.

The factors that led to this conclusion were, among others, the supply of this medicine, the patient's symptoms and the poor diet she was carrying. The recommendation is to have a diet rich in potassium (foods such as bananas, raisins, plums, pears, etc.) and if required, the provision of oral potassium supplements.