Chapter 51: Diuretic Agents
Which instruction would be most appropriate for a client who is taking a diuretic?
"It's okay to take it with food." Instructions for a client taking a diuretic include taking the drug with food or meals if gastrointestinal upset occurs, taking the dose early in the morning to prevent interfering with sleep, implementing safety precautions if dizziness or weakness is a problem, and ensuring adequate fluid intake to prevent fluid rebound.
When describing where bumetanide acts, what would the nurse include?
Bumetanide is a loop diuretic that blocks the chloride pump in the ascending loop of Henle
A client with renal impairment is in need of a diuretic. Because of the renal problem, potassium-sparing diuretics are contraindicated but may be used if there is no other option. If they are used at all, what nursing intervention would be most important for this client?
Potassium-sparing diuretics are contraindicated in clients with renal impairment because of the high risk of hyperkalemia. If they are used at all, frequent monitoring of serum electrolytes, creatinine, and BUN is needed.
A client prescribed both an ACE inhibitor and a beta-blocker for the treatment of hypertension has been consistently obtaining blood pressure readings in the vicinity of 145/90 mm Hg. As a result, the client's primary health care provider has prescribed furosemide. What order would be most consistent with this client's health needs?
For hypertension, furosemide is commonly given as 40 mg PO twice daily and gradually increased if necessary
After teaching a group of nursing students about diuretics, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the group identifies which as a loop diuretic?
Furosemide (Lasix). Is an example of a loop diuretic.
As part of a class presentation, a nursing student is describing the actions of the different diuretics. Which medication would the student include as exerting its diuretic effect by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and chloride ions in the ascending portion of the loop of Henle and the early distal tubule of the nephron?
Hydrochlorothiazide. It is a thiazide diuretic that exerts its diuretic effect by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and chloride ions in the ascending portion of the loop of Henle and the early distal tubule of the nephron.
A client is diagnosed with increased intracranial pressure. Which would the nurse expect to be ordered?
Mannitol. It is a powerful osmotic diuretic that is used to treat increased intracranial pressure. It is given intravenously and begins to work in 30 to 60 minutes.
What substance is reabsorbed in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle?
Sodium. In the ascending limb of the loop of Henle, sodium is reabsorbed. Glucose and amino acids are reabsorbed by the proximal tubule, while water is reabsorbed by the descending limb of the loop of Henle.
A hospital client with a diagnosis of liver failure has been prescribed a low dose of spironolactone in order to treat ascites. The nurse who is providing this client's care should prioritize assessments for the signs and symptoms of what health problem?
Spironolactone is used in the treatment of ascites. However, it should be used cautiously and carefully monitored in clients with significant hepatic impairment because a rapid change in fluid and electrolyte balance may lead to hepatic coma. It is important to monitor susceptible clients carefully for signs and symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy.
Spironolactone is used in the treatment of ascites. However, it should be used cautiously and carefully monitored in clients with significant hepatic impairment because a rapid change in fluid and electrolyte balance may lead to hepatic coma. It is important to monitor susceptible clients carefully for signs and symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy.
increased risk of hyperkalemia. The nurse should inform the client about the increased risk of hyperkalemia as the effect of the interaction between triamterene, which is a potassium-sparing diuretic, and potassium supplements.