2.1 Introduction to the Urinary System and Medications
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you should be able to
1. Define the term “diuretic medication”
2. Identify common diuretic medications
3. Explain the importance of potassium chloride drugs when a patient is on certain diuretic medications
4. Define urinary tract infections and identify common medications for treating this condition
5. Define overactive bladder and list common medications for treating this condition
6. Define benign prostatic hypertrophy and list common medications for treating this condition
7. Define prostate cancer
8. Define erectile dysfunction and list common medications for treating this condition
9. Define polycystic kidney disease
10. Define chronic kidney disease
Chapter Overview
The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. A thorough explanation of the system and its components will be provided to lay the foundation for the discussion of common urinary system pathologies and the medications used to treat them. A basic explanation of medication categories and their mechanisms of action within the body will be discussed. Common medication names, both trade and generic, will be listed to increase your understanding of this topic. A few of the medication categories in this chapter are explained in further detail in other systems, but they will be briefly discussed in this chapter as well because some medication categories can be used for multiple systems. It is imperative to be familiar with these medications because all of them are common in the hospital setting and many in the community as well.
Attribution
Unless otherwise indicated, material on this page has been adapted from the following resource:
Ernstmeyer, K., & Christman, E. (Eds.). (2020). Nursing pharmacology. Chippewa Valley Technical College. https://wtcs.pressbooks.pub/pharmacology/, licensed under CC BY 4.0
