Final answer:
The correct medication to prescribe for a patient with bilateral lower extremity edema and dyspnea on exertion is diuretics. They work by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the kidneys, increasing urine output, and reducing fluid retention.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient presents with slight bilateral lower extremity edema and dyspnea on exertion, the provider may consider prescribing a medication that can alleviate these symptoms. These symptoms can be associated with conditions like congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or disorders that affect the veins of the legs. Given that edema may be caused by fluid retention and dyspnea on exertion could be a sign of fluid overload or heart difficulties, the most appropriate medication to prescribe would likely be diuretics.
Diuretics work by increasing urine output, thereby reducing fluid volume in the body and helping to alleviate edema. Specifically, they often work on the loop of Henle in the kidneys, which is where sodium and chloride reabsorption is inhibited. This can help to decrease blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart. Therefore, of the options provided, Option 2: Diuretics is the expected class of medication to be prescribed to help manage these symptoms.