A nurse is preparing to administer methylprednisolone sodium succinate 30 mg/kg via intermittent IV bolus to a client who weighs 169 lb. Available is methylprednisolone sodium succinate 125 mg/mL. How many mL should the nurse administer?
(Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because a dry cough is not a common or serious side effect of hydralazine. A dry cough is more likely to occur with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which are another class of antihypertensive drugs.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because hydralazine does not cause a low heart rate. In fact, hydralazine can cause a reflex increase in heart rate as a result of lowering the blood pressure. This is why hydralazine is often given with a beta-blocker, which can slow down the heart rate.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because hydralazine does not interact with birth control. However, the nurse should advise the client to use effective contraception while taking hydralazine, as this medication can cause fetal harm if used during pregnancy.

Choice D reason: This is correct because hydralazine can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions. This can lead to dizziness, fainting, and falls. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid getting up too quickly and to ask for assistance if needed.

Choice A reason: Maintaining a healthy weight is important for lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Obesity is associated with higher levels of LDL-cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) and lower levels of HDL-cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol). Losing weight can improve these ratios and lower blood pressure. ¹

Choice B reason: Avoiding cigarettes and other nicotine products is essential for preventing cardiovascular disease. Smoking damages the blood vessels and increases the risk of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Smoking also lowers HDL-cholesterol and raises triglycerides, another type of fat in the blood. Quitting smoking can improve cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. ²

Choice C reason: Importance of regular exercise is another key factor for improving cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health. Exercise helps to lower LDL-cholesterol and raise HDL-cholesterol, as well as lower blood pressure and blood sugar. Exercise also strengthens the heart muscle and improves blood flow. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, or a combination of both. ³

Choice D reason: Positive stress management techniques are not directly related to cholesterol levels or statin medications, but they may have some benefits for cardiovascular health. Stress can increase blood pressure and heart rate, and may trigger unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, drinking, or overeating. Stress can also affect the immune system and inflammation, which may contribute to atherosclerosis. Learning to cope with stress in healthy ways, such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, or counseling, may help to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. ⁴

Choice E reason: Healthy low fat diet options are an important part of lowering cholesterol levels and preventing cardiovascular disease. A diet that is high in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol can raise LDL-cholesterol and lower HDL-cholesterol. A diet that is low in fat and high in fiber, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can lower LDL-cholesterol and raise HDL-cholesterol. Some foods, such as oats, nuts, soy, and fish, may have additional benefits for cholesterol levels. .