A nurse understands that a common reason why a patient is prescribed a combination of diuretics is because?
They are a part of the initial diuretic therapy.
They decrease the risk of hypokalemia while still excreting sodium.
They boost the blood-pressure-lowering effect of other medications.
They have fewer side effects when used in a drug combination.
The Correct Answer is B
Hypokalemia is a condition where the blood potassium level is too low, which can cause muscle weakness, arrhythmias, and other problems. Diuretics are drugs that increase urine output and help remove excess fluid from the body. Some diuretics, such as loop diuretics, also cause potassium loss in the urine. To prevent hypokalemia, a combination of diuretics may be prescribed, such as a loop diuretic with a potassium-sparing diuretic or a thiazide diuretic. These combinations help balance the potassium level while still removing sodium and water.
Choice A is wrong because they are not a part of the initial diuretic therapy. Combination diuretic therapy is usually reserved for patients who have resistant edema or hypertension that does not respond to monotherapy.
Choice C is wrong because they do not boost the blood-pressure-lowering effect of other medications. Diuretics can lower blood pressure by reducing blood volume and relaxing blood vessels, but they are not used to enhance the effect of other antihypertensive drugs.
Choice D is wrong because they do not have fewer side effects when used in a drug combination. Combination diuretic therapy can increase the risk of electrolyte imbalances, such as hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and metabolic alkalosis. It can also cause hypotension, dehydration, and worsening renal function. Therefore, combination diuretic therapy should be used with caution and close monitoring.
Normal ranges for blood potassium level are 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L or 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Normal ranges for blood sodium level are 135 to 145 mmol/L or 135 to 145 mEq/L.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are less than 120/80 mm Hg for normal, 120-129/less than 80 mm Hg for elevated, 130-139/80-89 mm Hg for stage 1 hypertension, and 140 or higher/90 or higher mm Hg for stage 2 hypertension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Positive inotropy and negative chronotropy.Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that increases the force of the heart contractions (positive inotropy) and slows down the heart rate (negative chronotropy).
Choice A is wrong because positive chronotropy means increasing the heart rate, which is the opposite of what digoxin does.
Choice B is wrong because negative inotropy means decreasing the force of the heart contractions, which is also the opposite of what digoxin does.
Choice D is wrong because positive chronotropy means increasing the heart rate, which is not what digoxin does.
Digoxin is used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat.It has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning that the dose must be carefully adjusted to avoid toxicity or ineffectiveness.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are a class of drugs that block the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict and raise blood pressure. Examples of ARBs include losartan, valsartan, candesartan, and irbesartan.ARBs are used to treat hypertension, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease.
Choice A is wrong because calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are a class of drugs that prevent calcium from entering the cells of the heart and blood vessels, causing them to relax and lower blood pressure.
Examples of CCBs include amlodipine, diltiazem, verapamil, and nifedipine.CCBs are used to treat hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias.
Choice B is wrong because beta blockers are a class of drugs that reduce the heart rate and force of contraction, lowering the cardiac output and blood pressure.
Examples of beta blockers include atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, and bisoprolol.Beta blockers are used to treat hypertension, angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
Choice C is wrong because platelet inhibitors are a class of drugs that prevent platelets from clumping together and forming blood clots.
Examples of platelet inhibitors include aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor, and prasugrel.Platelet inhibitors are used to prevent or treat cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke.
Choice E is wrong because ACE inhibitors are a class of drugs that inhibit the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, reducing the production of this vasoconstrictor hormone.
Examples of ACE inhibitors include lisinopril, enalapril, ramipril, and captopril.ACE inhibitors are used to treat hypertension, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease.
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