Diuretics part 1

Question 1

What do diuretics do?

Answer 1

prevent passive reabsorption of water (most block Na and Cl reabsorption)

Question 2

What are some possible problems with diuretics?

Answer 2

• block Na and Cl reabsorption
• may cause hypovolemia
• alters electrolyte levels

Question 3

What are the 4 classifications of diuretics?

Answer 3

loop
thiazide
potassium sparing
osmotic

Question 4

What is the prototype loop diuretic?

Answer 4

Furosemide (Lasix)

-Loop is the most effective diuretic

Question 5

What is the site of action for furosemide?

Answer 5

loop of henle

Question 6

How can loop diuretics be given?

Answer 6

IV, PO, IM

Question 7

What are loop diuretics reserved for?

Answer 7

rapid/massive mobilization of fluid

Question 8

What might be added to a pt med list if furosemide is insufficient?

Answer 8

may add thiazide diuretic

Question 9

What are the therapeutic uses of furosemide?

Answer 9

• pt’s who need rapid or massive mobilization
• pt’s with CHF causing pulmonary edema
• hepatic, cardiac, renal edema that does not respond to other diuretics
• hypertension not responding to other diuretics

Question 10

What are the adverse effects of furosemide?

Answer 10

• excessive loss of sodium, chloride, and water causing severe dehydration (if this happened hold the med)
• hypotension (monitor BP)
• hypokalemia (leading to dysrhythmias. also, watch if pt id on Dig
• ototoxicity
• hyperglycemia
• hyperuricemia (causing gout)
• messes with HDL’s and LDL’s

Question 11

What are the drug interactions of Furosemide?

Answer 11

• digoxin: because of K+ loss by furosemide
• ototoxic drugs (esp amino glycoside antibiotics)
• K+ sparing diuretics: can help counterbalance the K+ issue
• antihypertensive drugs: furosemide is already a hypotension med
• NSAIDs: they attenuate the diuretic effects of furosemide