Margaret Leland is 76 years old; she is retired and lives alone. Her only daughter lives two hours away. She has a past medical history of heart attack, smoking for 20 years, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. She complains of decreased appetite and disinterest in food. Which medication is appropriate to improve Ms. Leland's fluid status?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Margaret Leland is complaining of decreased appetite and disinterest in food, which may indicate fluid overload. Given her past medical history of heart attack, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes, a diuretic medication would be appropriate to improve her fluid status and reduce the risk of complications such as edema and congestive heart failure. A vasodilator would not be appropriate in this case as Ms. Leland's blood pressure may already be controlled with her current medication regimen. Insulin would be appropriate for managing her type 2 diabetes but would not directly address her fluid status. An anticoagulant would not be appropriate in this case as there is no indication of a clotting or bleeding disorder.

Margaret Leland Is 76 Years Old; She Is Retired and Lives