Diuretics

Remove sodium & water tx hypertension, CHF, pulmonary

edema, kidney disease nursing diagnosis - fluid volume

excess

Renal Physiology

Urine formation occurs in nephron where blood plasma is processed into urine

ADH – released when osmolality of extracellular fluid increases which increases water reabsoprtion

Acid-base regulation Usual urine production is less than 2L/day

Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor

Enzyme (carbonic anhydrase) acts to promote reabsorption of sodium and bicarbonate

Diamox (acetazolamide) Agents used more for glaucoma than as

diuretic may cause false positive urine protein test take with meals

Loop Diuretics

Inhibit reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the ascending loop of Henle

effective even with impaired GFR watch for hypokalemia Lasix (furosemide) - may raise glucose

level, push slowly with IV, store oral solution in refrigerator

Osmotic Diuretics

These agents are filtered by glomerulus but have limited capability of being reabsorbed

Used primarily with increased intracranial pressure but also may be used with ARF

mannitol (Osmitrol) - IV, if crystals form, warm sol. then cool to body temp., IV set must have filter, infiltration may result in tissue necrosis

Thiazide Diuretics

Safest diuretic Structurally related to antibacterial

sulfonamides inhibit sodium and chloride reabsorption in early

portion of distal tubule watch for hypokalmia adverse effects - hyperglycemia and

hyperuricemia) HydroDIURIL (hydrochlorothiazide)

Potassium-sparing Diuretics The drugs in this class have different modes

of action Dyrenium (triamterene) & Midamor (amloride)

blocks sodium reabsorption in distal tubule Aldactone (spironolactone) - inhibits action of

aldosterone, adverse effect is gynecomastia for male clients

Generally used with potassium-depleting diuretic

Combination Diuretics

Combines potassium sparing diuretic with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) (thiazide diuretic)

Aldactozide (spirolactone & HCTZ)

Nursing Implications

Monitor I&O, weights Monitor potassium, chloride, glucose,

uric acid Give early in day Watch for Digoxin toxicity for clients on

Digoxin

Critical Thinking

Ms. Jones is admitted with CHF. She is started on HydroDIURIL. What type of diuretic is this?

What lab data would you check prior to giving this medication?

What are the adverse effects you will be monitoring for?

What do you expect to see if Ms. Jones has a therapeutic response?

Critical Thinking (cont)

Ms. Jones is having difficulty breathing. The physician orders Lasix IV.

Is impaired renal function a contraindication?

What primary electrolyte imbalance will you monitor for?

What precautions will you take when administering Lasix IV?