When a client is prescribed oral prednisone and furosemide, which laboratory value should the nurse prioritize assessing?

When a client is prescribed oral prednisone and furosemide, the nurse should prioritize assessing the potassium level. This is important because both medications have significant effects on potassium balance.

Prednisone, a corticosteroid, can cause sodium retention and potassium loss. It can lead to hypernatremia and hypokalemia. On the other hand, furosemide, a loop diuretic, also promotes the excretion of potassium in the urine, further contributing to the risk of hypokalemia. Monitoring potassium levels is essential to prevent complications such as muscle weakness, arrhythmias, and other cardiovascular issues that can arise from low potassium levels.

While other electrolytes such as calcium, sodium, and chloride are important to monitor, the impact of both prednisone and furosemide on potassium makes it the priority in this scenario.