A client who experienced an MI is prescribed beta-blocker medication. The client asks the nurse about the purpose of this medication. How should the nurse respond?
"Beta-blockers help dilate your blood vessels, improving blood flow to your heart."
"It reduces your cholesterol levels and prevents the formation of plaques in your arteries."
"Beta-blockers lower your blood pressure and decrease the workload of your heart."
"It prevents blood clots from forming in your coronary arteries and causing another MI."
The Correct Answer is C
A) This choice is incorrect because beta-blockers do not directly dilate blood vessels. They primarily work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart and blood vessels, leading to decreased heart rate and reduced blood pressure.
B) This choice is incorrect because beta-blockers do not directly affect cholesterol levels or prevent the formation of plaques in arteries. Their primary action is on the cardiovascular system, particularly the heart and blood pressure.
C) This choice is correct. Beta-blockers are commonly prescribed after an MI to reduce the workload of the heart and lower blood pressure. By blocking the effects of adrenaline, they help slow down the heart rate and reduce the force of contraction, thereby decreasing myocardial oxygen demand and improving the heart's efficiency.
D) This choice is incorrect because beta-blockers do not directly prevent blood clot formation in coronary arteries. Anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications are used to reduce the risk of clot formation in individuals at high risk for recurrent heart attacks.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because while PCI can indirectly relieve chest pain by restoring blood flow to the heart, its primary purpose is not to reduce inflammation in the heart muscle.
B) This choice is correct. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) involves the insertion of a catheter with a balloon at the tip into the blocked coronary artery. The balloon is inflated to compress the plaque and open the artery, and then a stent is placed to keep the artery open and improve blood flow to the heart.
C) This choice is incorrect because PCI's primary purpose is not to lower blood pressure but to restore blood flow to the heart by treating coronary artery blockages.
D) This choice is incorrect because the description provided is more characteristic of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, not PCI.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because sublingual nitroglycerin should not be swallowed with water. It is intended to dissolve under the tongue for rapid absorption into the bloodstream to provide quick relief from chest pain.
B) This choice is incorrect because the timing of nitroglycerin administration is not dependent on meals. Sublingual nitroglycerin should be taken as needed when chest pain occurs.
C) This choice is correct. Sublingual nitroglycerin is administered by placing the tablet under the tongue, where it dissolves and is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. This method allows for rapid onset of action and is used to relieve acute chest pain.
D) This choice is incorrect because sublingual nitroglycerin is not meant for daily or preventive use. It is specifically used to treat acute episodes of chest pain (angina) and should be taken only when needed. Clients with angina may be prescribed long-acting nitroglycerin preparations for prophylactic use, but sublingual nitroglycerin is intended for immediate relief of anginal symptoms.
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