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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hyperkalemia is not the correct answer. Hyperkalemia is a high level of potassium in the blood. Corticosteroids do not cause hyperkalemia, but rather hypokalemia. Hyperkalemia may be caused by other factors such as renal failure, acidosis, or potassium-sparing diuretics.
Choice B reason: Hypokalemia is the correct answer. Hypokalemia is a low level of potassium in the blood. Corticosteroids can cause hypokalemia by increasing the excretion of potassium and sodium in the urine. Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness, cramps, arrhythmias, and digoxin toxicity.

Choice C reason: Hypermagnesemia is not the correct answer. Hypermagnesemia is a high level of magnesium in the blood. Corticosteroids do not affect magnesium levels. Hypermagnesemia may be caused by other factors such as renal failure, excessive antacid use, or magnesium-containing laxatives.
Choice D reason: Hypomagnesemia is not the correct answer. Hypomagnesemia is a low level of magnesium in the blood. Corticosteroids do not affect magnesium levels. Hypomagnesemia may be caused by other factors such as malnutrition, alcoholism, or diuretic use.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Vaginal cultures are not necessary for oral contraceptive therapy. They are used to diagnose infections such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, or sexually transmitted diseases.
Choice B reason: Complete blood count is not essential for oral contraceptive therapy. It is used to measure the number and types of blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Choice C reason: Serum potassium level is the most important laboratory test for oral contraceptive therapy. This is because some oral contraceptives can increase the risk of hyperkalemia, which is a high level of potassium in the blood. Hyperkalemia can cause serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and paralysis.
Choice D reason: Pregnancy test is not a laboratory test, but a urine test. It is important to rule out pregnancy before starting oral contraceptive therapy, but it is not the most important test for the nurse to assess.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
