Question

The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a 72-year-old patient who has been discharged home on a diuretic. What would the patient's instructions regarding the use of a diuretic at home include?

Select one:
a. Measuring intake and output of urine everyday and record it to show the health care provider at the next appointment.
b. Weigh themselves on the same scale, at the same time of day, in the same clothing and record on a calendar for your next appointment.
c. Restrict fluids to 500 mL per day to limit the need to urinate as much.
d. Take the diuretic at bedtime with a full glass of water for optimal drug action.

Answer 1

The patient's instructions regarding the use of a diuretic at home would include weighing themselves regularly, measuring intake and output of urine, and avoiding fluid restriction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient's instructions regarding the use of a diuretic at home would include weighing themselves on the same scale, at the same time of day, in the same clothing and recording it on a calendar for their next appointment. This is important to monitor any changes in weight, as weight gain or sudden weight loss can be indications of fluid retention or dehydration.

Measuring intake and output of urine every day and recording it to show the healthcare provider at the next appointment would also be included in the patient's instructions. This helps to monitor the effectiveness of the diuretic and ensure that the patient is not experiencing excessive fluid loss or dehydration.

Restricting fluids to 500 mL per day to limit the need to urinate as much is not an appropriate instruction. Diuretics increase urine production, so restricting fluids would not be recommended.

Taking the diuretic at bedtime with a full glass of water for optimal drug action is not necessarily required for all diuretics. Some diuretics may be taken at different times of the day, as prescribed by the healthcare provider.