Furosemide is what kind of drug?

Appeared in: SCTIMST Staff Nurse - 2015 (Set-B)

Explanation

Furosemide is a potent diuretic belonging to the class of loop diuretics.
Its primary mechanism of action is the inhibition of the Na⁺-K⁺-2Cl⁻ cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle.
This action prevents the reabsorption of sodium and chloride, leading to significant water excretion (diuresis).
Loop diuretics are highly effective and are often used for conditions requiring rapid and substantial fluid removal, such as pulmonary edema and heart failure.
A major side effect is the loss of potassium (hypokalemia), which requires careful monitoring.

Option A: Thiazide diuretics, like hydrochlorothiazide, act on the distal convoluted tubule. They are less potent than loop diuretics.
Option B: Osmotic diuretics, such as mannitol, work by creating an osmotic gradient that draws water into the nephron. They are not used for general edema but for specific conditions like reducing intracranial or intraocular pressure.
Option D: Potassium-sparing diuretics, like spironolactone or amiloride, act on the collecting ducts and distal tubules to promote sodium and water excretion while retaining potassium.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pharmacological classification of diuretics, specifically identifying the class for Furosemide helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Administering furosemide requires diligent nursing assessment for signs of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, particularly hypokalemia, which can cause cardiac arrhythmias.
Nurses must educate patients on the importance of taking the medication as prescribed, monitoring their weight, and recognizing symptoms that need to be reported to their healthcare provider.
What if? If a patient taking furosemide is also prescribed digoxin, the risk of digoxin toxicity is significantly increased if hypokalemia develops. The nurse's priority is to monitor potassium levels very closely and assess for signs of digoxin toxicity (e.g., nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, bradycardia).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword in the question, which is the drug name 'Furosemide'.
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of pharmacology.
Recall the major classes of diuretic drugs: loop, thiazide, potassium-sparing, and osmotic.
Mentally associate Furosemide (brand name Lasix) with its class.
Furosemide is one of the most common examples of a loop diuretic, acting on the Loop of Henle.
Select the option that correctly identifies this classification.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Pharmacological classification of diuretics, specifically identifying the class for Furosemide.
Stem keywords: Furosemide, drug
Lead-in keywords: what kind

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E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 2 pp. 149-151, 148-150

E6 Pharmacology Katzung 16e p. 423-425

Practise the full SCTIMST Staff Nurse - 2015 (Set-B)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.