Most Diuretics Work By

Question

Most diuretics work by A) increasing blood flow to the kidneys. B) increasing the urge to urinate. C) stimulating the contraction of the detrusor muscle. D) blocking the tubular reabsorption of Na⁺.

Accepted Answer

Most diuretics work by blocking the tubular reabsorption of Na⁺, leading to increased urine output and decreased fluid volume in the body. This is accomplished through different mechanisms, such as inhibiting sodium-potassium-chloride transporters or aldosterone receptors. Increasing blood flow to the kidneys (A) or stimulating the contraction of the detrusor muscle (C) may have some diuretic effect, but are not the primary mechanisms of action for most diuretic drugs. Similarly, increasing the urge to urinate (B) is a common side effect of diuretics, but not the mechanism through which they work.