Word parts
What it means
A medicine that increases urine output. Diuretics are used for hypertensionhy-per-TEN-shunBlood pressure that stays higher than normal, at or above 130/80 mm Hg by current US guidelines.hyper- above, more than normaltension pressureFull entry , heart failurehart FAYL-yerA long-term condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.Full entry , edemaih-DEE-muhSwelling caused by extra fluid trapped in the body's tissues.Full entry and other fluid overload. The main groups are loop diuretics such as furosemidefyoo-ROH-suh-mideA loop diuretic: a drug that makes the kidneys remove more salt and water from the body.Full entry , thiazide diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide, and potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone. Loop and thiazide diuretics can lower the potassiumpuh-TAS-ee-umA mineral in the blood that nerves and muscles, including the heart, need in order to work.Full entry level; potassium-sparing diuretics can raise it.
For the nurse
Check blood pressure and electrolytes, especially potassium, before giving, weigh the client daily and track intake and outputIN-tayk and OWT-putThe measured record of all fluids a client takes in and all fluids that leave the body over a set time.Full entry . Give it in the morning when possible so the client is not up at night. Teach the client to get up slowly, as the blood pressure may drop.
In a chart
"Weight down 1.2 kg after diuretic; output 2,400 mL over 12 hours."
At a glance
| Everyday words | water pill |
|---|---|
| Spanish | diurético |
| Also written | diuretics |
Related terms
potassium
A mineral in the blood that nerves and muscles, including the heart, need in order to work.
hypokalemia
A blood potassium level below normal, under 3.5 mEq/L.
hyperkalemia
A blood potassium level above normal, over 5.0 mEq/L.
furosemide
A loop diuretic: a drug that makes the kidneys remove more salt and water from the body.
edema
Swelling caused by extra fluid trapped in the body's tissues.