Overview
Introduction
Diuretics remove sodium and water. That can relieve edema, pulmonary congestion, and hypertension, but excessive volume removal can lower venous return and blood pressure.
Diuretics remove sodium and water. That can relieve edema, pulmonary congestion, and hypertension, but excessive volume removal can lower venous return and blood pressure. When a client stands, gravity shifts blood into the legs; a volume-depleted client may not compensate quickly enough to maintain cerebral perfusion. The result may be light-headedness, blurred vision, weakness, or a fall. Safe nursing care connects the symptom with the medication, recent dose, blood-pressure trend, daily weight, urine output, renal function, and electrolytes. The immediate goal is to prevent injury and identify deterioration—not to independently discontinue or change the prescription.