Final answer:
Loop diuretics like Lasix are used to treat conditions such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, and edema by inhibiting the reabsorption of Na+ and Cl- in the kidney, leading to increased urination and reduction of fluid retention.
Step-by-step explanation:
Common Treatments Using Loop Diuretics Such as Lasix:
Loop diuretics like Lasix (furosemide) are commonly used in medical treatments to manage several conditions. These conditions include hypertension (high blood pressure), congestive heart failure, and edema associated with heart failure, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease. Loop diuretics work by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-) ions in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle, which is a segment of the nephron in the kidney.
This action leads to an increase in urine formation and excretion, known as diuresis. The reason for increased urination is that by preventing the reabsorption of these electrolytes, water is also not reabsorbed, leading to a higher volume of urine. This helps in reducing fluid retention in the body, thereby alleviating symptoms associated with the conditions treated by loop diuretics.