Identifying Diuretic Complications

A 70-year-old male patient with a history of hypertension and diabetes is admitted to the hospital for heart failure exacerbation. During the admission, the nurse notes that the patient has bilateral pedal edema, increased jugular venous distension, and an audible third heart sound (S3). The healthcare provider prescribes a diuretic to help manage fluid overload. However, on the second day of treatment, the patient begins to experience confusion and muscle cramps. These symptoms may indicate the onset of a potentially serious complication associated with the administration of diuretics. Fill in the blank: The nurse should monitor for the potential complication of __________, which can result from excessive fluid and electrolyte loss due to diuretic therapy.