1.A 43 year old man is diagnosed with hypertension following an annual physical examination. The patient is thin and states that he engages in fairly regular exercise, but he describes his job as...

1.A 43 year old man is diagnosed with hypertension following an annual physical examination. The patient is thin and states that he engages in fairly regular exercise, but he describes his job as highly stressful. He also has a positive family history for hypertension and stroke. The health care provider initiates therapy with hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) . The patient asks the nurse, “I have high blood pressure, Why do I need a ‘water pill’ to help my blood pressure?” How does hydrochlorothiazide reduce blood pressure?
2. A 78 year-old woman is admitted to the ICU with a diagnosis of heart failure. The nurse administers Furosemide (Lasix) 40 mg IV push. What assessments should the nurse make to determine the effectiveness of this therapy?
3. A 54-year old male patient has been treated with Chlorothiazide ( Diuri) for hypertension but due to increasing blood pressure, edema, and signs of early heart failure, the provider switches him to a low dose of furosemide (Lasix) and spironolactone (Aldactone). The patient wants to know why he now needs two diuretics and questions the nurse about whether this is a safe thing to do. How should the nurse respond?