Final answer:
Diuretics increase urine volume and reduce water recovery in the collecting duct, helping to lower blood pressure. One commonly prescribed diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide, inhibits the Nat/Cl-symporter in the nephron.
Step-by-step explanation:
A diuretic is a compound that increases urine volume by promoting vasodilation in the nephron or inhibiting ADH release, resulting in less water recovery by the collecting duct. Diuretics are commonly prescribed to reduce blood volume and lower blood pressure in cases of hypertension. One frequently prescribed diuretic is hydrochlorothiazide, which inhibits the Nat/Cl-symporter in the DCT and collecting duct, leading to the loss of Na+ with water following passively by osmosis.