Question

Joey has been placed on diuretics ror hypertension and wants to know why he feels dizzy when he gets up from a sitting position. He tells you that he feels like he will faint each time he gets up...

what time would you tell a patient to take the diuretic each day?

how can potassium be replaced other than with foods?

why is the oral route the favored route for replacement?

27 Urinary System Disorders CRITICAL THINKING EXERCISES Scenario 1 Joey has been placed on diuretics for hypertension and wants to know why he feels dizzy when he gets up from a sig position. He tells you that he feels like he will faint each time he gets up.

Answer 1

Joey is on diuretics(water pills). The main action of diuretics is to eliminate more amount of sodium and water through urine. As a result of this, blood volume and blood pressure become decreased. When Joey is standing up from a sitting position suddenly, the blood pressure becomes too low (due to decreased venous return in standing posture) results in dizziness.

what time would you tell a patient to take the diuretic each day?

Diuretics are usually advised to take in the morning because it increases the urination. Taking diuretics in the late evening leads to frequent urination at night which interferes with the patient's sleep. So diuretics are not advisable to take at night.

how can potassium be replaced other than with foods?

Potassium can be replaced with potassium supplementation along with the potassium-rich foods. Mostly the patient can be prescribed with a potassium-sparing diuretic to prevent the drop of potassium. e.g spironolactone, triamterene.

why is the oral route the favored route for replacement?

The oral route is an attractive route. It is an easy way of route and is safe to use. It is widely acceptable and flexible to adjust the replacement according to the patient needs.