Anatomy and Physiology II Practice Test

Diuretics are drugs that:

1. Inhibit the production of urine

2. Stimulate the production of urine

3. Stimulate the production of RBCs

4. Inhibit the production of RBCs

The correct answer is: Stimulate the production of urine

Diuretics are medications that promote the excretion of urine from the body. They function by increasing the rate of filtration of fluid through the kidneys, leading to an increase in urine production. This can be particularly useful in managing conditions such as hypertension and edema, where excess fluid buildup can be detrimental. By blocking the reabsorption of certain electrolytes, particularly sodium, in the renal tubules, diuretics encourage more water to remain in the urine rather than being reabsorbed back into the bloodstream. This process effectively raises the volume of urine output, providing a means to remove excess fluid. Thus, the key action of diuretics is to stimulate the production of urine as they promote diuresis.