Diuretics: Mechanism, Uses, and Nursing Considerations
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A patient with cirrhosis develops ascites. Which diuretic mechanism would be MOST beneficial in managing this specific complication?

  • Creating an osmotic gradient in the loop of Henle, drawing water into the renal tubule.
  • Blocking the action of aldosterone in the distal tubule, reducing sodium and water retention. (correct)
  • Inhibiting carbonic anhydrase in the collecting duct, promoting bicarbonate excretion and reducing fluid volume.
  • Decreasing sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubule, increasing overall fluid excretion.

A patient with a history of heart failure and hypertension is prescribed a diuretic. Which additional effect of diuretics, beyond fluid volume reduction, contributes MOST to lowering blood pressure?

  • Increased renin secretion leading to decreased angiotensin II production.
  • Direct vasodilation of peripheral blood vessels, reducing systemic vascular resistance. (correct)
  • Decreased sympathetic nervous system activity, reducing the release of norepinephrine.
  • Increased potassium retention, which has a direct relaxing effect on vascular smooth muscle.

A patient is diagnosed with increased intracranial pressure following a traumatic brain injury. Which type of diuretic is MOST appropriate for rapidly reducing intracranial pressure?

  • A potassium-sparing diuretic, to minimize electrolyte imbalances during diuresis.
  • An osmotic diuretic, to create an osmotic gradient and draw fluid from the brain tissue. (correct)
  • A thiazide diuretic, to promote gradual sodium and water excretion.
  • A loop diuretic, to cause a profound diuresis over several hours.

A patient with renal disease is prescribed a diuretic to manage fluid overload. Which factor is MOST crucial to monitor to prevent complications associated with diuretic use in this population?

<p>Electrolyte balance, especially potassium and sodium, to prevent arrhythmias or neurological symptoms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with glaucoma is prescribed a diuretic. By what mechanism do diuretics help in managing glaucoma?

<p>Reducing the production of aqueous humor in the eye, decreasing intraocular pressure. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with hypertension is prescribed hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). What physiological mechanism explains how this medication lowers blood pressure?

<p>By blocking the reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the distal tubule, leading to decreased blood volume. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient taking HCTZ reports muscle weakness and cramping. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely the cause?

<p>Hypokalemia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a history of gout is prescribed HCTZ for hypertension. Which potential adverse effect of HCTZ requires careful monitoring in this patient?

<p>Hyperuricemia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient is prescribed spironolactone in addition to their existing diuretic regimen. What is the primary rationale for adding spironolactone?

<p>To prevent potassium loss associated with other diuretics and reduce the risk of hypokalemia. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a history of heart failure is prescribed a diuretic. What is the primary mechanism by which diuretics help manage this condition?

<p>Blocking sodium and water reabsorption in the nephron, leading to increased urine output. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following laboratory values should a nurse prioritize monitoring in a patient taking diuretics to minimize adverse effects?

<p>Electrolyte levels, BUN, and creatinine levels. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What dietary instruction is most important for a patient prescribed spironolactone?

<p>Avoid salt substitutes that contain potassium. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient taking spironolactone develops gynecomastia. Which mechanism is most likely responsible for this adverse effect?

<p>Aldosterone antagonism leading to altered hormone receptor binding. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient taking a loop diuretic reports muscle weakness and cramping. Which electrolyte imbalance is the MOST likely cause of these symptoms?

<p>Hypokalemia. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with heart failure is prescribed both an ACE inhibitor and spironolactone. What electrolyte imbalance requires careful monitoring in this patient?

<p>Hyperkalemia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST important instruction a nurse should provide to a patient who has just started taking furosemide (Lasix)?

<p>Eat potassium-rich foods daily. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient develops symptomatic hyperkalemia while taking spironolactone. Which intervention is most appropriate to rapidly decrease serum potassium levels?

<p>Administer intravenous regular insulin with glucose. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with edema secondary to heart failure is prescribed furosemide. What assessment finding would indicate to the nurse that the medication is effective?

<p>Reduced edema and decreased weight. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient is prescribed furosemide and reports experiencing tinnitus. What action should the nurse take FIRST?

<p>Hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions would warrant cautious use of loop diuretics like furosemide?

<p>Diabetes Mellitus. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient's BUN level is elevated while taking a diuretic. Which intervention is MOST appropriate based on this lab result?

<p>Encourage increased fluid intake. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An elderly patient with heart failure is prescribed oral diuretics. What crucial instruction should the nurse provide regarding the timing of medication administration?

<p>Take the diuretic in the morning to avoid interfering with sleep. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Oxybutynin is prescribed for a patient with an overactive bladder. What is the primary mechanism of action of this medication?

<p>Competing with acetylcholine (Ach) for muscarinic receptors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient taking oxybutynin reports blurred vision and constipation. The nurse recognizes these as adverse effects related to which pharmacological action?

<p>Anticholinergic effects. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pre-existing condition would be a contraindication for a patient prescribed oxybutynin?

<p>Myasthenia gravis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with overactive bladder is prescribed mirabegron. What is the primary mechanism of action of mirabegron?

<p>Stimulating beta-3 adrenergic receptors in the bladder. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient taking mirabegron should be instructed to immediately report which of the following adverse effects to their healthcare provider?

<p>Swelling of the lips and tongue (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with non-obstructive urinary retention is prescribed bethanechol. What parameter should the nurse prioritize monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of this medication?

<p>Intake and output (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Bethanechol is contraindicated for a patient with which of the following conditions?

<p>Hyperthyroidism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient is prescribed finasteride for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). What is the primary mechanism of action of finasteride?

<p>Inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient is prescribed tamsulosin for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). What is the primary pharmacological effect of tamsulosin?

<p>Relaxing smooth muscle in the bladder neck and prostatic urethra. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Diuretic

Drug that reduces fluid volume in body and increases urine output.

HTN

High blood pressure.

CHF

Congestive Heart Failure - heart can't pump enough blood.

Cirrhosis

Scarring of the liver, often leading to fluid retention.

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Increased Intracranial Pressure

Increased pressure inside the skull.

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Pharmacodynamics of Diuretics

Drugs that block sodium and water reabsorption in the nephron, increasing urine output.

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Diuretic Assessment

Assess health history, baseline labs (electrolytes, CBC, liver and renal studies), weight, vital signs, breathing sounds, cardiac monitoring, and edema.

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Diuretic: Planning and Interventions

Increased urine output, decreased BP, daily weight and I&O. Minimize adverse effects: Monitor vital signs, electrolyte levels, BUN, and creatinine levels.

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Diuretic Goals

Increased output, decreased weight, decreased edema.

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Loop Diuretics Mechanism

Blocks chloride pump in the ascending loop of Henle, leading to decreased reabsorption of sodium and chloride, causing diuresis.

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Loop Diuretic Indications

Pulmonary edema, edema related to liver, cardiac, or kidney disease or HTN, and hypercalcemia.

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Loop Diuretic Adverse Effects

Dehydration, hypotension, electrolyte imbalance (hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia), and ototoxicity.

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Loop Diuretic: Nursing Interventions

Daily weight, strict I&O, edema assessment, monitor electrolyte levels and blood pressure, watch for orthostatic hypotension and tinnitus. Educate clients to eat high potassium foods.

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Thiazide Diuretics: Action

Block the chloride pump, keeping chloride and sodium in the tubule to be excreted in urine.

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Thiazide Diuretics: Uses

Hypertension and mild-moderate edema (heart failure, liver or kidney disease).

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Thiazide Diuretics: Adverse Effects

Dehydration, hypotension, hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, hypercalcemia, hyperuricemia.

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Thiazide Diuretics: Nursing

Daily weight, I&O, skin turgor, monitor electrolytes, glucose and uric acid. Encourage high potassium diet. Take early in day.

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Potassium-Sparing Diuretics: Action

Blocks aldosterone, causing excretion of sodium and water, and retention of potassium.

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Potassium-Sparing Diuretics: Uses

Heart failure or patients at high risk for hypokalemia.

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Potassium-Sparing Diuretics: Adverse Effects

Hyperkalemia, arrhythmias, hirsutism, gynecomastia, irregular menses.

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Potassium-Sparing Diuretics: Nursing

Monitor potassium, avoid potassium supplements and salt substitutes, monitor BP and weight. Don't give with ACE Inhibitors or to renal failure patients.

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Oxybutynin Mechanism

Blocks parasympathetic activity by competing with acetylcholine for muscarinic receptors.

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Anticholinergic Effects

Blurred vision, urinary retention, dry mouth, and constipation; resembling sympathetic nervous system effects.

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Mirabegron (Myrbetriq)

Beta-3 adrenergic agonist that relaxes the bladder muscle and increases its capacity.

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Mirabegron Adverse Effect

High blood pressure.

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Bethanechol (Urecholine) Action

Direct-acting parasympathomimetic that stimulates muscarinic receptors.

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Bethanechol Adverse Effects

Salivation, sweating, abdominal cramping, hypotension, and bradycardia.

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Bethanechol Contraindications

Intestinal obstruction, recent bowel surgery, asthma, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, hyperthyroidism, PUD, or bradycardia.

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Finasteride Purpose

Blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, shrinking the prostate.

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Finasteride Adverse Effects

Erectile dysfunction, teratogenic to male fetus, increased risk of prostate cancer, and decreased PSA levels.

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Tamsulosin Action

Blocks alpha 1 receptors, relaxing smooth muscle in the bladder neck and prostatic urethra.

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Study Notes

  • Diuretics are drugs reducing fluid volume and increasing urine output.
  • Used for HTN, CHF, Cirrhosis, renal disease, increased intracranial pressure, pulmonary edema, and glaucoma.
  • Diuretics block sodium and water reabsorption in the nephron, causing more sodium to be excreted in the urine.
  • Diuresis is the increased production of urine.
  • The degree of diuresis depends on the part of the tubule affected by the drug and its potency.

Nursing Process for Diuretics

  • Assess patient's health history, baseline labs (electrolytes, CBC, liver, and renal studies).
  • Baseline assessment includes weight, vital signs, breathing sounds, cardiac monitoring, and edema.
  • Ensure therapeutic effects by monitoring increased urine output and decreased blood pressure.
  • Monitor daily weights, intake, and output.
  • Minimize adverse effects by monitoring vital signs, electrolyte levels, BUN (8-20), and creatinine (0.6-1.3) levels.
  • Monitor nutritional status.
  • Observe signs of gout or photosensitivity.
  • Be aware that elevated BUN levels may indicate dehydration.
  • Patient understanding is essential.
  • Three goals for patients on diuretics are increased output, decreased weight, and decreased edema.
  • Most diuretics promote sodium loss in the body.

Loop Diuretics (Furosemide aka Lasix)

  • Block the chloride pump in the ascending loop of Henle.
  • Decrease reabsorption of sodium and chloride.
  • Cause diuresis, even with severe renal impairment.
  • Used for pulmonary edema.
  • Used for Edema caused by liver, cardiac, or kidney disease or HTN.
  • Used to treat hypercalcemia related to kidney stone formation.
  • Can be given PO, IV, or IM.

Adverse Effects of Loop Diuretics

  • Dehydration
  • Hypotension
  • Electrolyte imbalance, including hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, hyperglycemia, and hyperuricemia.
  • Ototoxicity

Nursing interventions/education for Loop Diuretics

  • Daily weight/strict I&O/Edema
  • Electrolyte levels should be monitored
  • Monitor blood pressure
  • Watch for orthostatic hypotension
  • Monitor for tinnitus
  • Educate clients to eat high potassium foods
  • Monitor glucose and uric acid
  • Use cautiously in patients with DM or gout
  • Do not give late in day
  • Potassium levels require regular monitoring in patients receiving loop diuretics.

Thiazide Diuretics (HCTZ)

  • Purpose: Blocks the chloride pump to keep chloride and sodium in the tubule to be excreted in urine
  • Promotes diuresis in healthy kidneys
  • Produce a mild diuretic effect compared to loop diuretics
  • First choice for HTN
  • Treatment of mild-mod edema, r/t heart failure or liver or kidney disease

Adverse Effects of Thiazide Diuretics:

  • Dehydration
  • Hypotension
  • Electrolyte imbalances:
  • Hypokalemia
  • Hyperglycemia
  • Hypercalcemia
  • Hyperuricemia

Nursing interventions/education for Thiazide Diuretics

  • Daily weight/I&O/check skin turgor
  • Monitor electrolyte levels, glucose and uric acid
  • High potassium diet
  • Do not give during pregnancy
  • Give early in the day
  • Increased risk for lithium or digoxin toxicity
  • Thiazide diuretics are considered mild diuretics because they have little or no effect on electrolyte levels.

Potassium-Sparing Diuretics (Spironolactone aka Aldactone)

  • Blocks action of aldosterone, causing excretion of sodium and water while retaining potassium
  • Therapeutic uses: Usually combined with other diuretics, given to heart failure patients or high risk for hypokalemia
  • Given orally

Adverse Effects of Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

  • Hyperkalemia/arrhythmias
  • Endocrine effects such as hirsutism, gynecomastia, and irregular menses

Nursing interventions/education for Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

  • Monitor potassium
  • Never administer potassium supplements with this drug
  • Regular insulin to treat hyperkalemia (pulls potassium from blood to the cell)
  • Do not give to clients with renal failure
  • Do not give with ACE inhibitors
  • Avoid salt substitutes with potassium
  • Monitor BP and weight

General Diuretic Considerations

  • Monitor blood pressure to determine the therapeutic effectiveness of Furosemide for HTN
  • It's most important to check potassium when giving diuretics
  • Spironolactone may be ordered to spare potassium and prevent hypokalemia in patients with ascites and edema
  • Diuretics should be taken in the morning to avoid interfering with sleep

Drugs Affecting The Urinary Tract

  • SNS (fight or flight) vs PNS (relaxation)

Urinary Tract Antispasmodics (Anticholinergics)

  • Prototype: Oxybutynin

Purpose of Oxybutynin:

  • Competes with Ach for binding with muscarinic receptors
  • Blocks parasympathetic activity

Therapeutic uses of Oxybutynin

  • Reduces muscle spasms of the bladder and urinary tract
  • Treats symptoms of overactive bladder

Adverse effects of Oxybutynin

  • Anticholinergic effects
  • Can't see (blurred vision)
  • Can't pee (urinary retention)
  • Can't spit (dry mouth)
  • Can't shit (constipation)
  • Sympathetic effects
  • Dilated pupils, decreased peristalsis, etc.
  • CNS effects
  • Nervousness, anxiety, apprehension

Nursing interventions/client education for Oxybutynin

  • Rule out obstructive urinary tract problems
  • Contraindicated for clients with glaucoma, myasthenia gravis or acute hemorrhage
  • Can be administered orally, transdermally or topically

Medication for OAB, Beta-3 Adrenergic Agonists

  • Prototype: Mirabegron (Myrbetriq)

Purpose of Mirabegron

  • Beta-3 adrenergic agonist drug that targets beta-3 receptors in the bladder
  • Inhibits the signaling pathways that tell the brain the bladder should be emptied

Therapeutic issues of Mirabegron

  • Treats OAB by relaxing the bladder muscle and increasing its bladder's capacity without urinary urgency

Adverse effects of Mirabegron

  • HTN
  • UTI
  • Headache
  • Nasopharyngitis
  • URI
  • CALL PROVIDER IF THERE IS SWELLING OF THE UPPER AIRWAY, FACE, LIPS OR TONGUE

Nursing intervention/education for Mirabegron

  • Contraindicated for clients with uncontrolled HTN, caution for clients taking anticholinergic med for OAB (urinary retention)
  • Digoxin and Warfarin effects are increased when taken with Mirabegron
  • Can be administered orally

Non-Obstructive Urinary Retention, Cholinergic, Muscarinic Agonist

  • Prototype: Bethanechol (urecholine)

Purpose of Bethanechol

  • Direct acting parasympathomimetic that binds to muscarinic cholinergic receptors that cause PSNS stimulation
  • Mimics the effects of acetylcholine

Therapeutic uses of Bethanechol

  • Treats non-obstructive urinary retention in patient with atony of the bladder

Adverse effects of Bethanechol

  • PSNS stimulation, including salivation, sweating, abdominal cramping, and hypotension/bradycardia
  • Cholinergic crisis

Nursing interventions/education for Bethanechol

  • Contraindicated for patients with intestinal obstruction or recent bowel surgery
  • Do not give in patients with asthma, epilepsy, Parkinson's, hyperthyroidism, PUD or bradycardia -Take 2 hour before or 2 hours after meals
  • Monitor I&O
  • Atropine is the antidote (Muscarinic antagonist)

Medications for BPH

  • 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (Prototype: Finasteride)
  • Purpose: blocks the enzyme DHT from converting to testosterone
  • Therapeutic uses: Shrinks prostate
  • Adverse effects:

Adverse Effetcs of Finasteride

  • May cause ED
  • Teratogenic to male fetus
  • Increase risk of prostate cancer
  • Decreases PSA levels
  • Alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonists (Prototype: Tamsulosin)
  • Purpose: blocks alpha 1 receptors, relaxes smooth muscle in the bladder neck and prostatic urethra
  • Therapeutic uses: relieves obstruction and increase flow of urine

Adverse Effects of Tamsulosin

  • Little to no effect on blood pressure, like other alpha blockers
  • Abnormal ejaculation
  • Headache, dizziness
  • Avoid taking until after cataract surgery

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Description

This lesson covers diuretics, drugs that reduce fluid volume and increase urine output, and their uses in conditions like hypertension and heart failure. It explains how diuretics block sodium and water reabsorption in the nephron. The lesson also discusses the nursing process for patients on diuretics, including assessments and monitoring for therapeutic and adverse effects.

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