A 73-year-old male patient is in the clinic for a yearly physical and is asking for a prescription for sildenafil. He has listed on his health history that he is taking a nitrate for angina. The nurse is aware that which problem may occur if sildenafil is taken with a nitrate?
Reduced effectiveness of the sildenafil
Significant increase in pulse rate
Increased risk of bleeding
Significant decrease in blood pressure
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because sildenafil and nitrates do not affect each other's effectiveness, but rather their side effects. Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor that enhances the effect of nitric oxide, which causes vasodilation and increases blood flow to the penis. Nitrates are vasodilators that also increase nitric oxide levels and reduce the workload of the heart.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because sildenafil and nitrates do not cause a significant increase in pulse rate, but rather a decrease. This is because the vasodilation caused by both drugs lowers the blood pressure and the cardiac output, which reduces the heart rate.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because sildenafil and nitrates do not increase the risk of bleeding, unless they are combined with other drugs that affect the blood clotting process, such as anticoagulants or antiplatelets.
Choice D reason: This is correct because sildenafil and nitrates can cause a significant decrease in blood pressure when taken together, as they both cause vasodilation and increase nitric oxide levels. This can lead to hypotension, dizziness, fainting, or even a heart attack or stroke. The patient should avoid taking sildenafil and nitrates within 24 hours of each other.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is correct because hemoglobin A1C level reflects the average blood glucose level over the past 2 to 3 months. It is a reliable indicator of the patient's glycemic control and adherence to the antidiabetic therapy. The goal for most patients with type 2 diabetes is to keep the hemoglobin A1C level below 7%.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because serum insulin level is not a good measure of the patient's adherence to the antidiabetic therapy, as it may vary depending on the type, dose, and timing of the insulin or oral antidiabetic agents. Serum insulin level may also be affected by other factors, such as stress, infection, or exercise.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because fingerstick fasting blood glucose level only reflects the blood glucose level at a single point in time. It does not provide information about the patient's long-term glycemic control or adherence to the antidiabetic therapy. Fingerstick fasting blood glucose level may also be influenced by the patient's diet, activity, or medication intake before the test.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because hemoglobin level is not related to the patient's adherence to the antidiabetic therapy, as it measures the amount of oxygen-carrying protein in the red blood cells. Hemoglobin level may be affected by conditions such as anemia, dehydration, or blood loss.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because the dosage is given in the prescription as 500 mg, which indicates the amount of the drug to be administered.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because the route is given in the prescription as PO, which stands for per os or by mouth, which indicates how the drug is to be administered.
Choice C reason: This is correct because the medication is not given in the prescription, which is the name of the drug to be administered. The nurse should ask the provider to clarify the medication name and spell it out if necessary.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because the time/frequency is given in the prescription as BID, which stands for bis in die or twice a day, which indicates when and how often the drug is to be administered.
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