You are designing a patient education handout for people on medications that affect fluids (diuretics). Which combined recommendations best synthesizes physiological principles to minimize dehydration risk while maintaining medication efficacy?

• A. Advise scheduled fluid intake throughout the day, monitor urine color and body weight daily, avoid excessive alcohol (a diuretic), take diuretics as directed (often in morning to avoid nocturia), and consult the clinician about salt adjustments or electrolyte-containing drinks if experiencing excessive thirst or lightheadedness
• B. Tell patients to ignore thirst cues because thirst is unreliable; instead, drink a fixed 5 liters of fluid daily no matter what medication they are on, since more fluid always prevents side effects from diuretics
• C. Recommend complete elimination of dietary sodium and unrestricted alcohol use because sodium has only minor effects on fluid balance and alcohol will not interfere with diuretic action
• D. Advise taking extra ADH supplements purchased over the counter and increase caffeine intake to counteract diuretic effects because hormonal replacement is safer than adjusting medication dosing

Answer: (A)