Question

Many older adults take prescribed diuretics. What nursing considerations are essential when working with older adults taking diuretics? Include rationale for all nursing considerations.

Answer 1

While using diuretics in older adults it is recommended to assess fluid volume changes as warning sign first of all.

Then there should be consideration of imbalance of major electrolytes. The rationale behind this is many diuretics like potassium sparing diuretics as well as thiazide diuretics significantly alter the sodium, potassium and chloride ion balance in the body.

Further it is advised to measure body weight at daily basis to assess the sudden weight loss or gain due to excessive fluid loss or fluid retention.

Moreover the blood pressure should be also assessed periodically as the alterations in the body fluid can alter the blood pressure significantly.

Finally the dose adjustment is very crucial while using diuretics in older adults as there are chances of toxicity.

Thus above are the major nursing considerations essential when working with older adults taking diuretics.