Final answer:
A nurse would consider a diuretic used to treat hypertension as the most likely cause of new onset diarrhea following a new medication regimen, as these can affect the loop of Henle and disrupt electrolyte reabsorption.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient experiences a recent onset of diarrhea following a new medication regimen. A nurse would most likely consider that the drug causing this side effect is a diuretic used to treat hypertension. These drugs often work on the loop of Henle, inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium (Na*) and chloride (Cl-), leading to increased frequency of urination and can sometimes cause diarrhea as an adverse effect.
It is crucial to review the patient’s medication list, focusing on recent changes that could have contributed to the new onset diarrhea. Factors such as antibiotic use could also indicate an increased risk for C. difficile infection, which would be considered especially with a clinical history of recent hospitalization or procedures involving antibiotic therapy. Other potential causes for diarrhea that must be taken into account are infections by various microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, or parasites.