What are the types of diuretics?
- Thiazide/like
- Loop Diuretics
- Osmotic Diuretics
- Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors
- Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
What is the prototype drug for thiazide diuretics?
Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
What is a common use for furosemide?
- Edema related to heart failure
- Hypertension
- Edema related to renal disease
- Acute pulmonary and peripheral edema
What are common side effects of thiazide diuretics?
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Weakness
- Hypotension
- GI distress
- Hyperglycemia
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Hyperuricemia
- Renal failure
What contraindication is associated with hydrochlorothiazide?
Renal failure
What nursing intervention is important for monitoring potassium levels in patients taking loop diuretics?
Monitor serum electrolytes for hypokalemia
Fill in the blank: Thiazide diuretics promote sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, and water excretion but promote ______ reabsorption.
calcium
What is the mechanism of action for potassium-sparing diuretics like spironolactone?
Block action of aldosterone, promoting sodium/water excretion and potassium retention
What should be monitored in patients taking mannitol?
Fluid and electrolyte balance
True or False: Thiazide diuretics are contraindicated in patients with sulfa allergies.
True
What are the signs and symptoms that may warrant the use of a diuretic?
- Orthopnea
- Cough
- Crackles
- Pulmonary edema
- Peripheral edema
- Tachypnea
- Dyspnea
- Decreased O2
- Bounding pulse
- Weight gain
- Decreased osmolality
What is a common side effect of spironolactone?
- Hyperkalemia
- Dizziness
- GI distress
- Gynecomastia
- Muscle cramps
What is the typical onset time for hydrochlorothiazide?
Approximately 2 hours
What is the duration of action for furosemide?
6-24 hours
What is the primary use of osmotic diuretics?
To prevent kidney failure related to surgery or trauma
Fill in the blank: The action of mannitol includes increasing sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubule and loop of Henle, leading to the excretion of sodium, chloride, potassium, and ______.
water
What should be avoided when taking potassium-sparing diuretics?
Salt substitutes
What is the assessment priority for patients on loop diuretics?
Obtain a drug history and check for allergies
What is a key nursing intervention for patients taking diuretics?
Monitor daily weight
What should patients be instructed regarding position changes when taking diuretics?
Change positions slowly from lying to standing to prevent dizziness
True or False: Loop diuretics can cause hearing loss if administered rapidly or in high doses.
True
What electrolyte imbalances should be monitored in patients receiving furosemide?
- Low potassium
- Low sodium
- Elevated calcium
What is an important patient teaching point regarding the timing of diuretic administration?
Take the medication early in the morning to avoid nocturia
What side effect may occur with high doses of mannitol?
Pulmonary edema
