Chapter 29: Diuretic Drugs
Sealock: Lilley’s Pharmacology for Canadian Health Care Practice
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which is a true statement about carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs)?
a. CAIs induce metabolic alkalosis.
b. CAIs can elevate the blood glucose level in diabetic patients. c. CAIs are contraindicated in the
presence of glaucoma.
d. CAIs are effective as prolonged therapy for seizures.
ANS: B
An adverse effect of the CAIs is that they elevate the blood glucose level and cause glycosuria in patients
with diabetes. The CAIs induce metabolic acidosis, are indicated for narrow-angle glaucoma, and their
effectiveness for treatment of seizures decreases in a short time.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension
2. Patients who are placed on spironolactone (Aldactone®) should be assessed continuously for which
condition?
a. Hypokalemia b. Hyperkalemia c. Hyponatremia d. Hypercalcemia
ANS: B
Hyperkalemia may occur with administration of potassium-sparing diuretics. DIF: Cognitive Level:
Comprehension
3. The physician has ordered mannitol (Osmitrol®) for a patient. How should this drug be administered?
a. Intravenously, through a filter b. By rapid intravenous (IV) bolus
c. 20 to 80 mg orally (PO) daily, in a single morning dose
d. By oral or IV route, depending on the severity of the patient’s condition
ANS: A
Mannitol should be administered via IV infusion, through a filter. It is not available in an oral form. DIF:
Cognitive Level: Comprehension
, 4. A patient with a new prescription for furosemide (Lasix®) is being discharged. What should the nurse
say to this patient concerning this new prescription?
a. “Keep a weekly journal or log of your weight.”
b. “Avoid foods high in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, fresh vegetables, and dates.”
c. “If you experience weight gain, such as 2.3 kg or more a week, be sure to tell your physician during
your next routine visit.”
d. “Be sure to change your body position slowly and rise slowly after sitting or lying. Making slow
movements will prevent dizziness and possible fainting because of blood pressure changes.”
ANS: D
Orthostatic hypotension is a possible problem with diuretic therapy. A daily log of weight should be kept,
foods high in potassium should be eaten more often, and a weight gain of 2.3 kg or more a week should
be reported immediately.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis
5. Which statement is true of loop diuretics?
a. They are also called aldosterone-inhibiting diuretics.
b. They are very potent, providing a diuretic effect that lasts at least 6 hours.
c. Because their onset of action is rapid, they are particularly useful when rapid diuresis is desired.
d. They have the disadvantage of ceasing to be effective when creatinine clearance decreases below
25 mL per minute.
ANS: C
Loop diuretics have a rapid onset of action; therefore, they are useful when rapid onset is desired. DIF:
Cognitive Level: Comprehension
6. The nurse is teaching a patient about using hydrochlorothiazide. The nurse should ensure the patient
knows to be cautious when taking which medication with hydrochlorothiazide?
a. digitalis b. Antacids
c. Potassium supplements
d. Over-the-counter Aspirin preparations
ANS: A
Sealock: Lilley’s Pharmacology for Canadian Health Care Practice
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which is a true statement about carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs)?
a. CAIs induce metabolic alkalosis.
b. CAIs can elevate the blood glucose level in diabetic patients. c. CAIs are contraindicated in the
presence of glaucoma.
d. CAIs are effective as prolonged therapy for seizures.
ANS: B
An adverse effect of the CAIs is that they elevate the blood glucose level and cause glycosuria in patients
with diabetes. The CAIs induce metabolic acidosis, are indicated for narrow-angle glaucoma, and their
effectiveness for treatment of seizures decreases in a short time.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension
2. Patients who are placed on spironolactone (Aldactone®) should be assessed continuously for which
condition?
a. Hypokalemia b. Hyperkalemia c. Hyponatremia d. Hypercalcemia
ANS: B
Hyperkalemia may occur with administration of potassium-sparing diuretics. DIF: Cognitive Level:
Comprehension
3. The physician has ordered mannitol (Osmitrol®) for a patient. How should this drug be administered?
a. Intravenously, through a filter b. By rapid intravenous (IV) bolus
c. 20 to 80 mg orally (PO) daily, in a single morning dose
d. By oral or IV route, depending on the severity of the patient’s condition
ANS: A
Mannitol should be administered via IV infusion, through a filter. It is not available in an oral form. DIF:
Cognitive Level: Comprehension
, 4. A patient with a new prescription for furosemide (Lasix®) is being discharged. What should the nurse
say to this patient concerning this new prescription?
a. “Keep a weekly journal or log of your weight.”
b. “Avoid foods high in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, fresh vegetables, and dates.”
c. “If you experience weight gain, such as 2.3 kg or more a week, be sure to tell your physician during
your next routine visit.”
d. “Be sure to change your body position slowly and rise slowly after sitting or lying. Making slow
movements will prevent dizziness and possible fainting because of blood pressure changes.”
ANS: D
Orthostatic hypotension is a possible problem with diuretic therapy. A daily log of weight should be kept,
foods high in potassium should be eaten more often, and a weight gain of 2.3 kg or more a week should
be reported immediately.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis
5. Which statement is true of loop diuretics?
a. They are also called aldosterone-inhibiting diuretics.
b. They are very potent, providing a diuretic effect that lasts at least 6 hours.
c. Because their onset of action is rapid, they are particularly useful when rapid diuresis is desired.
d. They have the disadvantage of ceasing to be effective when creatinine clearance decreases below
25 mL per minute.
ANS: C
Loop diuretics have a rapid onset of action; therefore, they are useful when rapid onset is desired. DIF:
Cognitive Level: Comprehension
6. The nurse is teaching a patient about using hydrochlorothiazide. The nurse should ensure the patient
knows to be cautious when taking which medication with hydrochlorothiazide?
a. digitalis b. Antacids
c. Potassium supplements
d. Over-the-counter Aspirin preparations
ANS: A
