Question

You're providing discharge instructions to a patient who will be taking a loop diuretic at home. Which statement by the patient demonstrates they did NOT understand the teaching material and requires that you reinforce some of the teaching points?*

A. "I will eat a diet rich in potatoes, bananas, avocadoes, strawberries, and spinach."
B. "I will weight myself daily and report to my physician if I gain more than 3 lbs in 1 day."
C. "I will change position slowly because I can become dizzy easily while taking this medication."
D. "This medication can cause dehydration, so I will stay hydrated by consuming at least 2 L or more of fluid per day."

Answer 1

The statement that needs reinforced teaching is advising the use of a set fluid intake amount for a patient on loop diuretics. Loop diuretics work by blocking sodium and chloride reabsorption in the kidneys, which increases urine output. Fluid needs should be assessed individually. The correct answer is option D.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement by the patient that demonstrates they did NOT understand the teaching material and requires reinforced teaching is D. "This medication can cause dehydration, so I will stay hydrated by consuming at least 2 L or more of fluid per day." The use of loop diuretics can indeed lead to dehydration, however, advising a patient to consume a specific quantity of fluids such as 2 liters or more per day is not universally appropriate. This is because fluid needs can vary based on the individual's other health conditions, current state of hydration, and the degree to which their body is holding onto or losing water. Patients taking loop diuretics should be guided to monitor for signs of dehydration and advised to consult with their healthcare provider to determine the appropriate amount of fluid intake.

Loop diuretics increase urination by inhibiting the reabsorption of Na+ (sodium) and Cl- (chloride) ions in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle in the nephrons of the kidney. This process normally helps to concentrate urine by promoting water reabsorption later in the nephron; however, when these ions are not reabsorbed, water remains in the urine, increasing urine volume.