Loop Diuretics NCLEX Questions (NCLEX EXAM 2022)

1. The physician prescribes the patient a loop diuretic. As the nurse you know that this type of diuretic causes diuresis by MAINLY affecting what structure in the nephron? A. Distal convoluted tubule B. Descending limb of the loop of Henle C. Proximal convoluted tubule D. Ascending limb of the loop of Henle The answer is D. Loop diuretics affect the loop of Henle, specifically the ASCENDING limb (the thick part of this limb). 2. Loop diuretics are effective with inhibiting sodium reabsorption within the nephron because it inhibits? A. the sodium-chloride transporter B. the effects of aldosterone on the distal convoluted tubule C. the sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter D. the transport of bicarbonate by the proximal convoluted tubule The answer is C. Loop diuretics INHIBIT the sodium-potassium-chloride (NKCC2) cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. This inhibits the amount of sodium that is reabsorbed by the kidneys, which will cause the nephron to decrease the amount of water it reabsorbs…hence leading to more water leaving the kidneys via the urine (leading to its diuretics affects). Option A is how thiazide diuretics work, option B is how potassium-sparing diuretics work, and option D is how carbonic anhydrase inhibitors work.