A diuretic would be expected to cause which of the following effects?

A diuretic would be expected to cause which of the following effects?

• A. Decreased urine production
• B. Increased urine production
• C. Increased blood pressure
• D. Increased cardiac workload

Answer: (B)

Diuretics work by increasing urine production through promoting sodium and water loss in the kidneys. They block reabsorption of sodium (and chloride) in parts of the nephron, so water stays in the filtrate and is excreted. This rise in urine output lowers overall fluid volume, which reduces venous return and often lowers blood pressure, thereby easing cardiac workload. So increased urine production is the expected effect. The other options describe outcomes opposite to what diuretics do—less urine, or higher blood pressure and heart workload are not typical results of taking a diuretic.

Diuretics work by increasing urine production through promoting sodium and water loss in the kidneys. They block reabsorption of sodium (and chloride) in parts of the nephron, so water stays in the filtrate and is excreted. This rise in urine output lowers overall fluid volume, which reduces venous return and often lowers blood pressure, thereby easing cardiac workload. So increased urine production is the expected effect. The other options describe outcomes opposite to what diuretics do—less urine, or higher blood pressure and heart workload are not typical results of taking a diuretic.