diuretics - Sheet1 Flashcards
What are the four regions of the nephron?
Glomerulus, proximal convoluted tubule, loop of Henle, and distal convoluted tubule.
What are the three processes involved in kidney function?
Filtration, reabsorption, and active secretion.
What are diuretics commonly used to treat?
Hypertension, heart failure, edema fluid accumulation, and renal failure.
How do most diuretics work?
By blocking sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻) reabsorption, changing osmotic pressure, and increasing water and solute excretion by the kidneys.
What are common adverse effects of diuretics?
Electrolyte imbalances, acid-base imbalances, and hypovolemia.
What are the four major types of diuretics?
Loop (high-ceiling), thiazide, osmotic, and potassium-sparing diuretics.
What is an example of a loop diuretic?
Furosemide.
What is an example of a thiazide diuretic?
Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).
What is an example of an osmotic diuretic?
Mannitol.
What are the two types of potassium-sparing diuretics?
Aldosterone antagonists (e.g., spironolactone) and nonaldosterone antagonists (e.g., triamterene).
What is the fifth type of diuretic and its primary use?
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, primarily used to lower intraocular pressure (IOP).
What are nursing considerations for diuretics?
Monitor for dehydration symptoms (e.g., dry mouth, thirst, oliguria), chest, calf, or pelvic pain, blood pressure, intake and output, dizziness, postural hypotension, daily weights, and electrolyte levels (K⁺, Na⁺, Cl⁻, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺).
What additional monitoring is needed for diabetic patients on diuretics?
Blood glucose levels.
What additional monitoring is needed for patients with gout on diuretics?
Uric acid levels.
When should diuretics be administered?
Early in the day, typically at 0800 and 1400, to avoid nighttime urination.
What is the site of action for loop diuretics like Furosemide (Lasix)?
Loop of Henle.
How quickly do loop diuretics act when given PO and IV?
PO: Onset 1 hr, lasts 8 hrs; IV: Onset 5 min, lasts 2 hrs.
What conditions are loop diuretics used to treat?
Pulmonary edema in CHF, edema (hepatic, cardiac, renal), and hypertension.
What is an advantage of loop diuretics over thiazides?
Effective even with renal impairment.
What are common adverse effects of loop diuretics?
Hyponatremia, hypochloremia, dehydration, hypotension, ototoxicity, hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, hypocalcemia, and hypomagnesemia.
Why is ototoxicity a concern with loop diuretics?
It can cause tinnitus; avoid ototoxic drugs like aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin).
What interactions should be monitored with loop diuretics?
Digoxin, lithium, NSAIDs.
What is the main difference between thiazide diuretics and loop diuretics?
Thiazides do not work in renal impairment and act on the early distal convoluted tubule.
How long do thiazide diuretics like HCTZ last?
Up to 12 hours.
