Final answer:
Loop diuretics are the drug therapy used to treat CHF and pulmonary edema by increasing urine production and reducing fluid accumulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question 'What drug therapy is used to treat CHF/pulmonary edema?' is option a) Loop diuretics. Loop diuretics such as furosemide are commonly used to treat conditions like congestive heart failure (CHF) and pulmonary edema. These drugs help reduce the fluid overload by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-) ions in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle. This action increases urine production, which in turn helps to relieve the symptoms associated with fluid accumulation in CHF and pulmonary edema.
By promoting the excretion of excess fluid, loop diuretics decrease the workload on the heart and reduce blood pressure, which is beneficial in patients with hypertension as well. The reduction in blood volume due to increased urination is why patients taking loop diuretics may experience a significant decrease in symptoms.
Diuretics are key in managing fluid balance and electrolyte levels in the body, and are crucial in the treatment of not only CHF and pulmonary edema but also conditions that involve hypertension and fluid retention.