When taking diuretics, which mineral is most likely to be lost in a CHF client?

In the context of a patient with congestive heart failure (CHF) taking diuretics, potassium is the mineral most commonly lost. Diuretics, especially loop diuretics like furosemide, increase urine production by promoting the excretion of sodium and water in the kidneys. As a result, potassium is also excreted in larger quantities, leading to a greater risk of hypokalemia (low potassium levels).

Potassium is crucial for the proper functioning of heart muscles, and its deficiency can result in serious cardiac complications, thus monitoring its levels is essential in patients receiving diuretics. Ensuring adequate potassium intake, either through diet or supplements, is important to mitigate this risk in patients undergoing treatment with diuretics due to CHF.