A patient using diuretics may be advised to maintain a diet high in which of the following nutrients?

Patients using diuretics, particularly those classified as thiazide or loop diuretics, are often at risk of potassium depletion. Diuretics can increase the excretion of potassium in the urine, which can lead to hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood). Maintaining a diet high in potassium helps to replenish this essential electrolyte and prevent imbalances that can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and cardiac issues.

Potassium is vital for numerous physiological functions, including the maintenance of normal blood pressure, proper muscle function, and nerve transmission. Therefore, a diet that includes potassium-rich foods—such as bananas, oranges, spinach, potatoes, and avocados—is often recommended to support the patient's overall health and counteract the effects of diuretic therapy.

In contrast, while iron, calcium, and magnesium are important nutrients as well, they do not directly address the potassium loss associated with diuretic use. Therefore, advising a potassium-rich diet is particularly critical in this context.