For which diuretic medication should the nurse monitor the client for hypokalemia as a side effect?

Bumetanide is a loop diuretic, which is known for its potency in promoting diuresis by inhibiting sodium and chloride reabsorption in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle in the kidney. One of the significant side effects of loop diuretics, including bumetanide, is the potential for electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia, which is a condition characterized by low levels of potassium in the blood.

In clinical practice, the use of loop diuretics requires careful monitoring of serum potassium levels because these medications can lead to increased urinary excretion of potassium, causing the levels in the blood to drop. This is particularly important as hypokalemia can lead to various complications, such as muscle weakness, arrhythmias, and other cardiac issues.

While hydrochlorothiazide is also a diuretic that can lead to hypokalemia, loop diuretics like bumetanide have a more pronounced effect on potassium levels due to their mechanism of action and potency, necessitating closer monitoring. Spironolactone, on the other hand, is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which is used specifically to prevent hypokalemia. Furosemide, another loop diuretic like bumetanide