Question

If a patient is suffering from severe fluid accumulation in the body due to kidney dysfunction, the drug used to treat this condition is ________.

• A. amlodipine
• B. vasopressin
• C. spironolactone
• D. glimepiride

Hint:

Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that blocks aldosterone receptors, making it useful for managing fluid retention driven by RAAS activation in renal and hepatic disorders.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Fluid overload (edema) secondary to renal impairment occurs due to reduced glomerular filtration and compensatory activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). High aldosterone levels cause excessive sodium and fluid retention. To reverse fluid retention when the kidneys are compromised, diuretic drugs are indicated to induce natriuresis and fluid excretion.

Step 1: Identify the diuretic options.
Among the choices provided, Spironolactone is an effective choice because it functions as a competitive aldosterone receptor antagonist working in the late distal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts. By inhibiting aldosterone, it promotes water and sodium clearance while conserving potassium ions.

Step 2: Eliminate non-diuretic choices.
* Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker used primarily for hypertension, but it can actually cause peripheral edema as a side effect. * Vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) causes water retention, which would worsen edema. * Glimepiride is a sulfonylurea used to lower blood glucose in type 2 diabetes and has no direct diuretic effect.