Which statement about hydrochlorothiazide is correct?

Which statement about hydrochlorothiazide is correct?

• A. It is a loop diuretic used to treat edema
• B. It increases potassium loss in urine
• C. It is a thiazide diuretic used to treat hypertension and peripheral edema
• D. It should be used only in patients with severe renal failure

Answer: (C)

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that blocks the Na+-Cl− symporter in the distal convoluted tubule, increasing excretion of sodium and water and producing mild potassium loss. This mechanism makes it effective for lowering blood pressure and for treating peripheral edema, which is why it’s described as a thiazide diuretic used for hypertension and edema. It’s not a loop diuretic, which acts in the loop of Henle and is typically more potent for edema. Its diuretic effect is diminished in severe renal failure, so using it only in that setting would be inappropriate. The potassium loss it can cause is a consequence of its action, but the defining clinical points are its classification and its use for hypertension and edema.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that blocks the Na+-Cl− symporter in the distal convoluted tubule, increasing excretion of sodium and water and producing mild potassium loss. This mechanism makes it effective for lowering blood pressure and for treating peripheral edema, which is why it’s described as a thiazide diuretic used for hypertension and edema. It’s not a loop diuretic, which acts in the loop of Henle and is typically more potent for edema. Its diuretic effect is diminished in severe renal failure, so using it only in that setting would be inappropriate. The potassium loss it can cause is a consequence of its action, but the defining clinical points are its classification and its use for hypertension and edema.