What is the primary purpose of administering a loop diuretic in a client with cardiogenic shock?

The primary purpose of administering a loop diuretic in a client with cardiogenic shock is to decrease preload and relieve pulmonary congestion. In this condition, the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs and increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation. This results in pulmonary congestion, which can severely impair gas exchange and oxygenation.

Loop diuretics work by inhibiting sodium and chloride reabsorption in the loop of Henle in the kidneys, leading to increased urine production. By diuresing excess fluid, these medications reduce blood volume and preload, which can help alleviate the strain on the heart and decrease the risk of further fluid overload. This management is crucial in improving respiratory function and overall hemodynamic stability in a patient experiencing cardiogenic shock.

The other options do not directly address the main concern in cardiogenic shock:

• Treating ventricular arrhythmias might be important in some scenarios but is not the primary action of loop diuretics.

• Increasing heart rate and blood pressure is generally undesirable in cardiogenic shock since it may place more stress on an already compromised heart.

• Preventing blood clots in the lungs is not a primary action associated with diuretics; anticoagulation therapies would be more relevant in