Cardiac Medicine Certification (CMC) Practice Exam

What is the primary action of diuretics in the management of heart failure?

1. Increase blood volume

2. Remove excess fluid and sodium

3. Enhance sodium retention

4. Decrease heart rate

The correct answer is: Remove excess fluid and sodium

The primary action of diuretics in the management of heart failure is to remove excess fluid and sodium from the body. In heart failure, the heart's ability to pump blood effectively is compromised, which often leads to fluid retention and congestion in various tissues. This fluid overload can exacerbate symptoms such as shortness of breath, edema, and fatigue. Diuretics work by increasing urine production in the kidneys, leading to decreased blood volume. By promoting the excretion of sodium and water, diuretics help alleviate the symptoms of fluid overload, improve the patient's comfort, and enhance their overall quality of life. This action helps to reduce pressure in the blood vessels and mitigates the strain on the heart, thus contributing to better management of heart failure. In contrast, options like increasing blood volume or enhancing sodium retention would be counterproductive in this context, as they would worsen fluid retention and increase the burden on the heart.