A 55-year-old woman with heart failure has pulmonary edema. Which diuretic acts on the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle by inhibiting the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Furosemide

  1. Step 1: Loop diuretics block NKCC2 in the thick ascending limb. Answer: Furosemide. Why not the others: Hydrochlorothiazide acts on the distal tubule, spironolactone on the collecting duct and acetazolamide on the proximal tubule.

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