Veterinary Technician Practice Exam

What condition is typically treated with diuretics?

1. Dehydration

2. Fluid retention

3. Shock

4. Infection

The correct answer is: Fluid retention

Diuretics are primarily used to treat fluid retention, a condition where excess fluid accumulates in the body's tissues. This can occur due to various underlying issues, such as heart failure, liver disease, or kidney dysfunction. By promoting the excretion of urine, diuretics help to reduce excess fluid, alleviate swelling, and improve circulation, allowing the body to return to a more balanced state. In contrast, dehydration is characterized by a deficiency of water in the body, which is managed through fluid replacement rather than increased urine output. Shock represents a critical condition often necessitating the stabilization of blood flow and oxygen delivery rather than fluid reduction. Infection typically requires antimicrobial treatment rather than the use of diuretics, as the focus is on eradicating pathogens rather than managing fluid balance. This context illustrates how diuretics are specifically suited for addressing fluid retention.