Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

What effect do diuretic agents have on blood pressure?

1. They increase blood pressure

2. They decrease blood pressure

3. They have no effect on blood pressure

4. They stabilize blood pressure

The correct answer is: They decrease blood pressure

Diuretic agents are primarily used to help the body eliminate excess sodium and water through increased urine production. This process effectively reduces blood volume, which subsequently lowers the overall pressure exerted on blood vessel walls. By decreasing the total fluid circulating in the bloodstream, diuretics help to decrease blood pressure. This mechanism is particularly beneficial in managing conditions such as hypertension, where high blood pressure needs to be controlled to prevent cardiovascular complications. Using diuretics can lead to significant improvements in blood pressure readings, making them a common choice in hypertension treatment regimens. The other choices are not applicable because diuretics do not increase or stabilize blood pressure; instead, their primary action is to reduce it through diuresis, which diminishes blood volume and therefore lowers blood pressure.