Final answer:
Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a potassium-sparing diuretic that improves outcomes, particularly in patients with congestive heart failure and hypertension, as it retains potassium while excreting sodium and water.
Step-by-step explanation:
Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a potassium-sparing diuretic that is known for improving outcomes, especially in cases like congestive heart failure. Unlike other diuretics that may lead to potassium loss, Spironolactone helps in retaining potassium while still promoting the excretion of sodium and water. This is due to its mechanism of action by which it antagonizes aldosterone receptors. Aldosterone is a hormone that promotes sodium and water retention, and by inhibiting its effect, Spironolactone helps reduce fluid retention without causing hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which is beneficial in treating hypertension and conditions where maintaining a proper potassium balance is crucial.
Furosemide (Lasix) and hydrochlorothiazide are other types of diuretics. Furosemide works on the loop of Henle, blocking the reabsorption of sodium and chloride, leading to increased urination. Hydrochlorothiazide works by inhibiting the Na+/Cl- symporter in the distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct of the nephron. Osmotic diuretics like mannitol work differently by promoting water loss via osmosis. In this specific case, Spironolactone is the correct choice because it is the only potassium-sparing diuretic in the list, offering benefits in cardiovascular health outcomes.