A 65-year-old male with coronary artery disease is prescribed Nitroglycerin. During discharge teaching, the nurse should emphasize that the patient must avoid taking phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, like Sildenafil (Viagra). What is the primary reason for this contraindication?
Increased risk of arrhythmias due to drug interactions.
Potential for life-threatening hypotension due to excessive vasodilation.
Increased risk of severe headache due to overlapping side effects.
Decreased effectiveness of nitroglycerin in relieving angina.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Increased risk of arrhythmias due to drug interactions: While both drugs affect cardiovascular function, the primary risk with concurrent use is not arrhythmias. Nitroglycerin and PDE-5 inhibitors mainly influence vascular tone, not cardiac electrical activity directly.
B. Potential for life-threatening hypotension due to excessive vasodilation: Both nitroglycerin and PDE-5 inhibitors are potent vasodilators. When used together, they can cause profound hypotension due to synergistic effects on the vascular system, which may lead to syncope, myocardial infarction, or even death.
C. Increased risk of severe headache due to overlapping side effects: Headache is a known side effect of both drugs due to vasodilation, but it is not the most dangerous interaction. While uncomfortable, headaches are not life-threatening compared to the risk of severe hypotension.
D. Decreased effectiveness of nitroglycerin in relieving angina: There is no evidence that PDE-5 inhibitors reduce the efficacy of nitroglycerin. The concern is not about reduced therapeutic benefit but rather the risk of severe, potentially fatal cardiovascular side effects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["2"]
Explanation
Desired dose = 160 mg
The medication label for Bevyxxa (betrixaban) Capsules states: 80 mg per capsule.
- Determine the number of capsules needed:
Number of capsules = Desired dose / Dose per capsule
= 160 mg / 80 mg/capsule
= 2 capsules
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. They inhibit the metabolism of alcohol in the liver: Benzodiazepines do not affect alcohol metabolism. Enzymes like alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase are responsible for metabolizing alcohol, and benzodiazepines have no role in this process.
B. They block the reuptake of dopamine in the central nervous system: This mechanism is more characteristic of stimulant drugs like cocaine or certain antidepressants. Benzodiazepines act primarily on GABAergic pathways and do not target dopamine reuptake.
C. They have no potential for abuse or dependence: Benzodiazepines carry a well-documented risk of dependence and abuse, especially with long-term use or in individuals with a history of substance use disorders. Their use in alcohol withdrawal is carefully managed due to this risk.
D. They enhance the effects of GABA in the central nervous system: Benzodiazepines potentiate GABA, the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, which helps to stabilize the CNS, reduce seizures, and manage agitation during alcohol withdrawal. This GABAergic action compensates for the decreased inhibitory tone seen in alcohol-dependent individuals during withdrawal.
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