A nursing student is reviewing medications used to treat a patient with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Which of the following medications should the nurse identify as commonly prescribed for this condition? (Select all that apply)

Cilostazol (Pletal)

Ramipril (Altace)

Metoprolol (Lopressor)

Aspirin

Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,D,E

Choice A reason: Cilostazol inhibits phosphodiesterase III, increasing cyclic AMP, which dilates arteries and reduces platelet aggregation. This improves blood flow and reduces intermittent claudication in PAD, directly targeting vascular symptoms by enhancing circulation and preventing thrombosis, making it a primary treatment option.

Choice B reason: Ramipril, an ACE inhibitor, lowers blood pressure and protects vascular endothelium, benefiting PAD indirectly. It reduces cardiovascular strain but doesn’t directly improve limb perfusion or claudication, so it’s not a primary PAD medication despite its role in managing comorbidities like hypertension.

Choice C reason: Metoprolol, a beta-blocker, slows heart rate and reduces myocardial oxygen demand, useful in heart disease. In PAD, it may worsen claudication by reducing peripheral blood flow via vasoconstriction, making it less commonly prescribed specifically for PAD management.

Choice D reason: Aspirin inhibits cyclooxygenase, reducing thromboxane A2 and platelet aggregation. This antiplatelet action prevents clot formation in narrowed PAD arteries, improving outcomes by reducing thrombotic events, making it a standard, evidence-based therapy for symptom relief and risk reduction.

Choice E reason: Clopidogrel blocks ADP receptors on platelets, preventing aggregation and thrombus formation. In PAD, it reduces ischemic events and improves patency, often used alone or with aspirin, making it a key medication for managing vascular complications and symptoms.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Shortness of breath on stairs suggests cardiopulmonary issues, not intermittent claudication. Claudication is leg pain from arterial insufficiency during activity, not dyspnea, which reflects lung or heart strain.

Choice B reason: Finger pain in cold weather points to Raynaud’s or vasospasm, not claudication. Intermittent claudication affects lower limbs from arterial occlusion, not upper extremities or temperature-related vasomotor changes.

Choice C reason: Leg cramping after walking a block is classic intermittent claudication, from reduced blood flow in peripheral artery disease. Pain with activity, relieved by rest, matches its ischemic pathophysiology perfectly.

Choice D reason: Foot swelling from standing suggests venous stasis or edema, not claudication. Claudication involves arterial insufficiency causing pain with exertion, not fluid accumulation from prolonged static posture.

A. Titrate nitroprusside to decrease mean arterial pressure (MAP) to 115 mm Hg. B. Set up the automatic noninvasive BP machine to take readings every 15 minutes. C. Teach the patient stress-relieving techniques. D. Evaluate effectiveness of nitroprusside therapy on blood pressure (BP).

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Titrating nitroprusside requires adjusting IV infusion based on MAP, a skilled nursing task. Assistants can’t perform this, as it involves pharmacology and critical judgment beyond their scope in a crisis.

Choice B reason: Setting up a BP machine to monitor every 15 minutes is a technical task within an assistant’s role. It requires no interpretation, supporting the RN’s management of hypertensive crisis safely and effectively.

Choice C reason: Teaching stress relief demands nursing expertise in patient education and psychology. Assistants lack training to deliver this, making it an RN duty to ensure comprehension and relevance in care.

Choice D reason: Evaluating nitroprusside’s effect involves analyzing BP trends and drug response, a clinical skill. Delegation is inappropriate, as assistants can’t assess therapeutic outcomes or adjust care in this critical scenario.

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A nursing student is reviewing medications used to treat a patient with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Which of the following medications should the nurse identify as commonly prescribed for this condition? (Select all that apply)

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which patient statement supports a history of intermittent claudication?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The registered nurse (RN) is caring for a patient with a hypertensive crisis who is receiving sodium nitroprusside. Which nursing action can the nurse delegate to an experienced nursing assistant?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nursing student is reviewing medications used to treat a patient with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Which of the following medications should the nurse identify as commonly prescribed for this condition? (Select all that apply)

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