Medical_ Surgical Nursing_Loop Diuretic

Question

A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who is prescribed furosemide (Lasix). The nurse understands that furosemide is a loop diuretic that works by:



a) Inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule.

b) Increasing sodium and water reabsorption in the proximal tubule.

c) Decreasing sodium and water reabsorption in the loop of Henle.

d) Blocking aldosterone receptors in the collecting duct.

Answer 1

c) Decreasing sodium and water reabsorption in the loop of Henle.

Answer 2

The correct answer is:

c) Decreasing sodium and water reabsorption in the loop of Henle.

Rationale: Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic that acts on the ascending loop of Henle in the kidney nephrons. It inhibits the reabsorption of sodium and chloride ions in this part of the nephron, leading to increased excretion of sodium, chloride, and water in the urine. This mechanism of action results in decreased fluid volume in the body, making it an effective treatment for conditions such as heart failure and hypertension. Options a, b, and d describe actions of other classes of diuretics, not loop diuretics like furosemide.