ATI Adult Medical Surgical Related

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A patient with chronic heart failure is prescribed furosemide. What is the primary action of this medication?

  • A. Increase cardiac output
  • B. Reduce fluid retention
  • C. Decrease heart rate
  • D. Lower blood pressure
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Reduce fluid retention. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that works by increasing urine production, leading to the removal of excess fluid and sodium from the body. This helps reduce fluid volume overload in conditions like heart failure. Choice A is incorrect because while reducing fluid retention may indirectly improve cardiac output by reducing preload, furosemide itself does not directly increase cardiac output. Choice C is incorrect as furosemide does not have a direct effect on heart rate. Choice D is incorrect because while furosemide may lower blood pressure as a result of reducing fluid volume, its primary action is to reduce fluid retention, not specifically lower blood pressure.