Which is true about administering furosemide?

• A. It should be given IV at a rapid rate to exert quick diuresis
• B. It can be given without potassium supplementation
• C. IV administration should be pushed slowly, not exceeding 20 mg/min
• D. It is safe to administer just before bedtime due to sleep disruption?

Answer: (C)

Furosemide given by IV should be administered slowly, not exceeding 20 mg per minute. This slow administration helps prevent ototoxicity (hearing damage) and excessive hemodynamic shifts that can occur with rapid diuresis, such as severe drops in blood pressure and dehydration. Since furosemide causes substantial diuresis and electrolyte losses, potassium monitoring is important and supplementation is given only as needed, not automatically. Administering it right before bedtime isn’t ideal because the resulting urge to urinate at night can disrupt sleep. So the recommended practice is a slow IV push at a rate no greater than 20 mg/min.