Untitled Flashcard Set

Thiazide Diuretics

A class of diuretics used to treat hypertension, heart failure, and edema, with Hydrochlorothiazide as the prototype.

Mechanism of Action of Thiazide Diuretics

Inhibits the reabsorption of sodium and chloride, leading to increased excretion of these ions and causing diuresis.

Adverse Effects of Thiazide Diuretics

Include orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, electrolyte imbalances, elevated glucose, headache, dehydration, and hyperuricemia.

Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

A class of diuretics that retains potassium while promoting the excretion of sodium and water.

Triamterene

Prototype drug of non-aldosterone antagonists (sodium channel blockers) in potassium-sparing diuretics.

Aldosterone Antagonists

A subclass of potassium-sparing diuretics that block aldosterone, promoting sodium and water loss while retaining potassium.

Furosemide

Prototype drug of loop diuretics, used for volume excess, heart failure, and pulmonary edema.

Mechanism of Action of Loop Diuretics

Inhibits the Na-K-Cl channel in the loop of Henle, causing a greater diuresis by preventing reabsorption of sodium and chloride.

Primary Hypertension

Accounts for 90-95% of cases, it is idiopathic, chronic, and progressive, commonly affecting older adults and African Americans.

Risk Factors for Hypertension

Include sodium intake, alcohol consumption, genetics, obesity, and race.

Determination of Blood Pressure

Calculated as Cardiac Output (CO) multiplied by Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR).

Signs of Hyperkalemia

Muscle cramping, arrhythmias, and fatigue, typically associated with potassium-sparing diuretics.

Precautions with Thiazide Diuretics

Caution in patients with renal impairment, especially with creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min, and those with sulfa allergies.

Universal Nursing Implications for Diuretics

Involves monitoring orthostatic hypotension, electrolyte imbalances, kidney function, and tracking patients' vital signs and daily weights.

Sodium’s Role in Diuretics

Diuretics block sodium reabsorption, creating osmotic pressure that keeps fluid in the renal tubules.

Significance of Daily Weights in Diuretic Therapy

Tracking daily weights helps monitor fluid retention and the effectiveness of diuretic therapy.

Baroreceptors

Nerve endings in large arteries that help regulate blood pressure through vasoconstriction or vasodilation.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)

A hormonal system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance, pivotal in the pathophysiology of hypertension.

Diuretic Drug Interactions

High sodium diets decrease the effectiveness of diuretics.

Sodium Channel Blockers

Potassium-sparing diuretics that disrupt sodium-potassium exchange in distal tubules, leading to sodium loss and potassium retention.

Common Drug Interactions of Loop Diuretics

Includes interactions with ototoxic drugs, beta-blockers, and digoxin.