Please confirm topic selection

Are you sure you want to trigger topic in your Anconeus AI algorithm?

Please confirm action

You are done for today with this topic.

Would you like to start learning session with this topic items scheduled for future?

Review Question - QID 218787

In scope icon N/A
QID 218787 (Type "218787" in App Search)
A 71-year-old woman presents to her primary care physician for her yearly physical exam. Since her last visit, she sustained a distal radius fracture from a ground-level fall that has healed without complication. At the time, it was recommended that she undergo a bone density scan and she is interested in the results of that study today. Her past medical history is significant for hypertension but she is not currently taking any medications. Her temperature is 98.6°F (37°C), blood pressure is 152/91 mmHg, pulse is 73/min, and respirations are 13/min. Her blood pressure during her previous visit was also elevated in this range. A physical exam is unrevealing with no murmurs, rubs, or gallops appreciated. Her physician lets her know that the Z-score for her bone mineral density is -2.9. Which of the following medications would be most effective in addressing both her bone mineral density and her elevated blood pressure?

Acetazolamide

0%

0/0

Amlodipine

0%

0/0

Chlorthalidone

0%

0/0

Furosemide

0%

0/0

Mannitol

0%

0/0

Select Answer to see Preferred Response

bookmode logo Review TC In New Tab

This patient who presents after a distal radius fracture has both hypertension and osteoporosis. Thiazides may be used as an anti-hypertensive agent and also decreases calcium excretion, which may be beneficial for patients with low bone mineral density.

Thiazide diuretics function by inhibiting the sodium chloride co-transporter in the early distal convoluted tubule of the nephron. This inhibition directly results in increased sodium and chloride excretion and also indirectly leads to increased potassium and hydrogen excretion due to the exchange of these metabolites for luminal sodium in the collecting duct of the nephron. Therefore, if increased sodium is delivered to the collecting duct, more of it will be absorbed by this segment resulting in the excretion of potassium and hydrogen. Importantly, calcium absorption in the distal convoluted tubule is increased in patients who take thiazides because the function of a sodium/calcium antiporter at the basolateral surface is augmented by decreased sodium absorption from the apical surface. Thiazide diuretics are used commonly in hypertension, congestive heart failure, calcium nephrolithiasis, idiopathic hypercalciuria, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, and osteoporosis.

Yang et al. studied the effects of thiazide diuretics in patients with osteoporosis. They found that the medication is associated with increased bone mineral density but that this effect was mitigated by episodes of hyponatremia. They recommended being vigilant for signs of hyponatremia in patients who are on thiazide therapy.

Incorrect Answers:
Answer 1: Acetazolamide is a diuretic that functions by inhibiting carbonic anhydrase. While this drug has also demonstrated possible beneficial effects in osteoporosis, it is not first line for the treatment of hypertension. Instead, it can be used in altitude-related alkalosis.

Answer 2: Amlodipine is an antihypertensive agent that functions by inhibiting calcium channels. This medication is commonly used in hypertension but would not be effective at treating osteoporosis. Side effects include peripheral edema.

Answer 3: Furosemide is a diuretic that functions by inhibiting the sodium/potassium/chloride cotransporter in the loop of Henle. Furosemide can be used in the treatment of congestive heart failure but increases the excretion of calcium. This is because calcium is absorbed paracellularly in this segment between the tight junctions of loop cells. The driving force behind calcium absorption in this segment is the positive electrical charge in the tubule from the leakage of potassium. This is not a first line anti-hypertensive agent.

Answer 4: Mannitol is a diuretic that functions by osmotically retaining water in the nephron. This medication is not first line for either hypertension or osteoporosis but instead can be used in patients with cerebral edema or acute renal failure.

Bullet Summary:
Thiazide diuretics can be used to treat hypertension and also decrease calcium excretion in patients with osteoporosis.

REFERENCES (1)
Authors
Rating
Please Rate Question Quality

0.0

  • star icon star icon star icon
  • star icon star icon star icon
  • star icon star icon star icon
  • star icon star icon star icon
  • star icon star icon star icon

(0)

Attach Treatment Poll
Treatment poll is required to gain more useful feedback from members.
Please enter Question Text
Please enter at least 2 unique options
Please enter at least 2 unique options
Please enter at least 2 unique options