Question

The patient receives hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL). He tells the nurse he is urinating a lot and questions how this drug affects his blood pressure. What is the best response by the nurse?

1. "Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL) enhances kidney function causing you to urinate more and that decreases your blood pressure."
2. "Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL) decreases the fluid in your bloodstream and this lowers your blood pressure."
3. "Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL) dilates your blood vessels so you urinate more and your blood pressure decreases."
4. "Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL) increases your heart rate; this pumps blood faster to your kidneys so you urinate more and your blood pressure decreases."

Answer 1

The patient taking hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL) will experience increased urination due to its action as a diuretic. This drug increases kidney function, resulting in more urine production, which in turn reduces blood volume and lowers blood pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best response option for the nurse to provide the patient would be option 1:

"Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL) enhances kidney function causing you to urinate more and that decreases your blood pressure."

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that works by inhibiting the Na/ Cl- symporter in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) and collecting duct, resulting in increased urine production. By increasing urine volume, it helps to reduce blood volume, which ultimately lowers blood pressure.