Diuretic Agents
This class of diuretics works in the loop of Henle to cause significant diuresis.
What are loop diuretics?
This drug is used to relieve urinary tract pain and turns urine orange-red.
What is phenazopyridine (Pyridium)?
This combination of hormones is found in most oral contraceptives.
What are estrogen and progestin?
What dietary advice should be given to patients on loop diuretics?
Increase potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, oranges, spinach).
Which lab values should nurses monitor in patients taking loop diuretics?
What are potassium, sodium, and renal function (BUN/creatinine)?
Name a potassium-sparing diuretic that blocks aldosterone receptors.
What is spironolactone?
Anticholinergic drugs like oxybutynin are used for this urinary condition.
What is overactive bladder (urge incontinence)?
A serious adverse effect of estrogen therapy in smokers over 35.
What is an increased risk of thromboembolism?
What symptom should prompt immediate medical attention in a patient taking oral contraceptives?
Severe leg pain or swelling (possible DVT).
A patient on furosemide reports ringing in the ears. What should the nurse do?
Hold the medication and notify the provider (possible ototoxicity).
Which electrolyte imbalance is a major concern with furosemide use?
What is hypokalemia?
Nitrofurantoin is commonly used to treat what condition?
What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
Name one nursing consideration for patients on hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Monitor for signs of thromboembolism, assess BP, encourage breast self-exams.
What time frame should sildenafil be taken before sexual activity?
About 30 minutes to 1 hour before activity
How do alpha-adrenergic blockers like tamsulosin (Flomax) help in BPH?
They relax smooth muscle in the bladder neck and prostate.
When should patients take their diuretics to avoid nocturia?
What is in the morning?
Which nursing instruction should be given when administering nitrofurantoin?
Take with food to minimize GI upset and increase absorption.
Sildenafil should not be taken with this class of drugs due to risk of severe hypotension.
What are nitrates?
A patient on oxybutynin complains of dry mouth and constipation. What should the nurse explain?
These are anticholinergic side effects; encourage fluids, fiber, and sugar-free gum.
What drug-drug interaction is a concern with spironolactone and ACE inhibitors?
Risk of hyperkalemia.
This osmotic diuretic is often used to reduce intracranial pressure.
What is mannitol?
What key patient education should be given to women handling finasteride tablets?
Avoid handling crushed/broken tablets if pregnant (risk of fetal harm).
What teaching should be given to a patient taking oral contraceptives who misses two pills?
Take the most recent missed pill as soon as possible and use backup contraception.
What nursing consideration is important before administering sildenafil?
Assess for cardiovascular disease or concurrent nitrate use.