Diuretics
The nurse knows that diuretics mostly affect which function of the kidneys? A. Cleansing and maintenance of extracellular fluid volume B. Maintenance of acid-base balance C. Excretion of metabolic waste D. Elimination of foreign substances
A. Cleansing and maintenance of extracellular fluid volume Most diuretics block sodium and chloride reabsorption, thus affecting the maintenance of extracellular fluid volume.
The nurse is reviewing the home medication list with the patient. The nurse recognizes that hydrochlorothiazide is used primarily for which condition? A. Hypertension B. Edema C. Diabetes insipidus D. Protection against postmenopausal osteoporosis
A. Hypertension The primary indication for hydrochlorothiazide is hypertension, a condition for which thiazides are often the drugs of first choice. Hydrochlorothiazides are used for the other conditions, but the primary indication is hypertension.
A patient is brought to the emergency department with shortness of breath, a respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute, intercostal retractions, and frothy, pink sputum. The nurse caring for this patient will expect to administer which drug? a. Furosemide [Lasix] b. Hydrochlorothiazide [HydroDIURIL] c. Mannitol [Osmitrol] d. Spironolactone [Aldactone]
ANS: A Furosemide, a potent diuretic, is used when rapid or massive mobilization of fluids is needed. This patient shows severe signs of congestive heart failure with respiratory distress and pulmonary edema and needs immediate mobilization of fluid. Hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone are not indicated for pulmonary edema, because their diuretic effects are less rapid. Mannitol is indicated for patients with increased intracranial pressure and must be discontinued immediately if signs of pulmonary congestion or heart failure occur. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: pp. 450-452 | pp. 452-453 | pp. 452-454
An older adult patient with congestive heart failure develops crackles in both lungs and pitting edema of all extremities. The physician orders hydrochlorothiazide [HydroDIURIL]. Before administering this medication, the nurse reviews the patient's chart. Which laboratory value causes the nurse the most concern? a. Elevated creatinine clearance b. Elevated serum potassium level c. Normal blood glucose level d. Low levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
ANS: A Hydrochlorothiazide should not be given to patients with severe renal impairment; therefore, an elevated creatinine clearance would cause the most concern. Thiazide diuretics are potassium-wasting drugs and thus may actually improve the patient's potassium level. Thiazides may elevate the serum glucose level in diabetic patients. Thiazides increase LDL cholesterol; however, this patient's levels are low, so this is not a risk. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: pp. 452-453
A patient who was in a motor vehicle accident sustained a severe head injury and is brought into the emergency department. The provider orders intravenous mannitol [Osmitrol]. The nurse knows that this is given to: a. reduce intracranial pressure. b. reduce renal perfusion. c. reduce peripheral edema. d. restore extracellular fluid.
ANS: A Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that is used to reduce intracranial pressure by relieving cerebral edema. The presence of mannitol in blood vessels in the brain creates an osmotic force that draws edematous fluid from the brain into the blood. Mannitol can also be used to increase renal perfusion. It can cause peripheral edema and is not used to restore extracellular fluid. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: p. 455
Besides having diuretic effects for patients with congestive heart failure, thiazides are also used to treat what? (Select all that apply.) a. Diabetes insipidus b. Hepatic failure c. Increased intracranial pressure d. Intraocular pressure e. Postmenopausal osteoporosis
ANS: A, B, E Thiazide diuretics have the paradoxical effect of reducing urine output in patients with diabetes insipidus. They can also be used to mobilize edema associated with liver disease. They promote tubular reabsorption of calcium, which may reduce the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Mannitol is used to treat edema that causes increased intracranial pressure and intraocular pressure. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis REF: pp. 452-453 | p. 455
A patient who is taking digoxin is admitted to the hospital for treatment of congestive heart failure. The prescriber has ordered furosemide [Lasix]. The nurse notes an irregular heart rate of 86 beats per minute, a respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute, and a blood pressure of 130/82 mm Hg. The nurse auscultates crackles in both lungs. Which laboratory value causes the nurse the most concern? a. Blood glucose level of 120 mg/dL b. Oxygen saturation of 90% c. Potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L d. Sodium level of 140 mEq/L
ANS: C This patient has an irregular, rapid heartbeat that might be caused by a dysrhythmia. This patient's serum potassium level is low, which can trigger fatal dysrhythmias, especially in patients taking digoxin. Furosemide contributes to loss of potassium through its effects on the distal nephron. Potassium-sparing diuretics often are used in conjunction with furosemide to prevent this complication. This patient's serum glucose and sodium levels are normal and of no concern at this point, although they can be affected by furosemide. The oxygen saturation is somewhat low and needs to be monitored, although it may improve with diuresis. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: pp. 450-451
A patient with hypertension is taking furosemide [Lasix] for congestive heart failure. The prescriber orders digoxin to help increase cardiac output. What other medication will the nurse expect to be ordered for this patient? a. Bumetanide [Bumex] b. Chlorothiazide [Diuril] c. Hydrochlorothiazide [HydroDIURIL] d. Spironolactone [Aldactone]
ANS: D Spironolactone is used in conjunction with furosemide because of its potassium-sparing effects. Furosemide can contribute to hypokalemia, which can increase the risk of fatal dysrhythmias, especially with digoxin administration. The other diuretics listed are all potassium-wasting diuretics. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: pp. 450-452 | pp. 452-453 | pp. 452-454
Which of the following statements about mannitol [Osmitrol] are correct? A• Mannitol cannot be given orally. B• Mannitol can cause edema. C• Mannitol can cause renal failure. D• Diuresis begins in 30 to 60 minutes after administration.
A• Mannitol cannot be given orally. B• Mannitol can cause edema. D• Diuresis begins in 30 to 60 minutes after administration. Mannitol does not diffuse across the GI epithelium and cannot be transported by the uptake systems that absorb dietary sugars. Accordingly, to reach the circulation, the drug must be given parenterally. Diuresis begins in 30 to 60 minutes and persists 6 to 8 hours. Mannitol can leave the vascular system at all capillary beds except those of the brain. When the drug exits capillaries, it draws water along, causing edema. Mannitol is use in prophylaxis of renal failure. Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic, not a loop diuretic.
The nurse is caring for a patient with heart failure who needs a diuretic. Which agent is likely to be chosen, because it has been shown to greatly reduce mortality in patients with heart failure? A. Furosemide [Lasix] B. Hydrochlorothiazide [HydroDIURIL] C. Spironolactone [Aldactone] D. Mannitol [Osmitrol]
C. Spironolactone [Aldactone] Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic used to treat both hypertension and edema. It is a preferred drug in heart failure, because it has been shown to have a cardioprotective effect, reducing mortality in patients with heart failure.
A nurse preparing to administer morning medications notes that a patient with a history of hypertension has been prescribed spironolactone [Aldactone]. The nurse assesses the patient and notes dyspnea, bilateral crackles, and pitting edema in both feet. Which intervention is appropriate? a. Administer the medications as ordered. b. Ask the patient about the use of salt substitutes. c. Contact the provider to request an order for serum electrolytes. d. Request an order for furosemide [Lasix].
NS: D Spironolactone takes up to 48 hours for its effects to develop, so it should not be used when the patient needs immediate diuresis. This patient has shortness of breath, crackles, and edema and needs a short-acting diuretic, such as furosemide. Asking the patient about the use of salt substitutes is not indicated. The patient does not need assessment of serum electrolytes. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: p. 454
The nurse notes a blood pressure of 160/90 mm Hg in a patient taking a thiazide diuretic. The patient reports taking an herbal medication that a friend recommended. Which herbal product is likely, given this patient's blood pressure? a. Ginkgo b. Hawthorne c. Licorice d. St. John's wort
a. Ginkgo
The nurse is caring for a patient who is to begin receiving a thiazide diuretic to treat heart failure. When performing a health history on this patient, the nurse will be concerned about a history of which condition? a. Asthma b. Glaucoma c. Gout d. Hypertension
c. Gout
The nurse is preparing to administer the first dose of hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL) 50 mg to a patient who has a blood pressure of 160/95 mm Hg. The nurse notes that the patient had a urine output of 200 mL in the past 12 hours. The nurse will perform which action? a. Administer the medication as ordered. b. Encourage the patient to drink more fluids. c. Hold the medication and request an order for serum BUN and creatinine. d. Request an order for serum electrolytes and administer the medication.
c. Hold the medication and request an order for serum BUN and creatinine.
The nurse is caring for a patient who has metabolic alkalosis and is experiencing fluid overload. The provider orders acetazolamide (Diamox). The patient reports right-sided flank pain after taking this medication. The nurse suspects that this patient has developed which condition? a. Gout b. Hemolytic anemia c. Metabolic acidosis d. Renal calculi
d. Renal calculi
The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving furosemide (Lasix) and an aminoglycoside antibiotic. The nurse will be most concerned if the patient reports which symptom? a. Dizziness b. Dysuria c. Nausea d. Tinnitus
d. Tinnitus
