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34: Diuretic Drugs

  • Page ID
    90348
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    • 34.0: Introduction
      This page discusses the renal and urinary systems' roles in filtering fluid and urea, crucial for maintaining chemical balance. It covers diuretic therapy, which increases urinary output to address conditions like edema, hypertension, and renal diseases. The page describes four groups of diuretics—loop, osmotic, potassium-sparing, and thiazide/thiazide-like—highlighting their mechanisms in targeting sodium and water reabsorption in specific nephron regions.
    • 34.1: Introduction to Diuretics
      This page covers fluid volume excess and its impact on the renal system, highlighting kidney regulation of extracellular fluid volume through mechanisms such as renal autoregulation and ANP secretion. Increased fluid results in a lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and greater sodium excretion. It also discusses diuretics and their diverse effects on renal function and sodium reabsorption, emphasizing the importance of understanding these processes for diagnosing conditions like edema.
    • 34.2: Loop Diuretics
      This page presents a comprehensive overview of loop diuretics, including their mechanisms, uses for conditions like heart failure and hypertension, key drugs like furosemide, and potential adverse effects such as hypokalemia. It emphasizes the importance of monitoring patients for drug interactions and special considerations for older adults, including risks of digoxin toxicity.
    • 34.3: Osmotic Diuretics
      This page discusses osmotic diuretics, focusing on mannitol for treating fluid volume excess and increased pressure in the brain and eyes. It details how mannitol increases osmotic pressure to promote water loss, highlights important monitoring of renal function, and emphasizes avoiding use in certain patients. Adverse effects like electrolyte imbalances and heart failure are noted, alongside nursing implications for careful administration.
    • 34.4: Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
      This page explores potassium-sparing diuretics, which treat fluid volume excess and renal issues by inhibiting sodium reabsorption while preserving potassium. Key drugs include spironolactone, amiloride, and triamterene, with a focus on indications, dosages, and potential side effects like hyperkalemia. Client teaching emphasizes dietary precautions, consistent medication use, and reporting side effects.
    • 34.5: Thiazide and Thiazide-Like Diuretics
      This page discusses thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics for treating hypertension and edema, including their functions, side effects, and nursing considerations. Key actions include sodium reabsorption inhibition and potential electrolyte imbalances. It highlights the importance of monitoring patients' blood pressure, fluid status, and educating them on diet and medication interactions.
    • 34.6: Chapter Summary
      This page discusses diuretic drugs for treating edema by increasing urinary output. It highlights key types: loop diuretics that block sodium reabsorption, osmotic diuretics like mannitol for intracranial pressure management, potassium-sparing diuretics that preserve potassium, and thiazide diuretics, considered first-line treatment for essential hypertension by inhibiting sodium reabsorption and facilitating mild fluid loss.
    • 34.7: Key Terms
      This page outlines key definitions regarding kidney function and related medical conditions. It discusses acute kidney injury (AKI) as a reversible condition with sudden kidney function decline, while chronic renal disease (CRD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) indicate progressive declines.
    • 34.8: Review Questions
      This page contains exercises on the effects of diuretics and related medications, highlighting symptoms such as muscle weakness from furosemide and the misuse of potassium chloride with amiloride. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing eGFR values for chronic renal disease, monitoring side effects like lung congestion with mannitol, selecting appropriate diuretics for patients with osteoporosis, and ensuring correct dosing for therapeutic efficacy.


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