A patient asked the nurse what cardiac glycosides do to improve his condition.
What is the nurse's best response?

Choice A rationale

Renal function tests are not specifically required for propranolol administration unless there are existing renal concerns. Propranolol is primarily metabolized by the liver, not the kidneys.

Choice B rationale

While it is important to consider drug interactions, the primary concern with propranolol in this patient is the history of asthma and diabetes, not herbal medication interactions.

Choice C rationale

Propranolol, a non-selective beta-blocker, can exacerbate asthma symptoms and mask hypoglycemia in diabetic patients. Consulting with the doctor to consider a different antihypertensive medication that does not have these risks is a prudent approach.

Choice D rationale

While monitoring serum glucose levels is important, administering propranolol in a patient with a history of asthma and diabetes poses significant risks. An alternative medication should be considered. .

Choice A rationale

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness and fatigue of the skeletal muscles. Improvement of ptosis after administration of edrophonium (Tensilon), a short-acting acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, is a diagnostic indicator of myasthenia gravis.

Choice B rationale

Cerebral palsy is a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. It is primarily caused by abnormal development or damage to the brain and does not exhibit rapid improvement with edrophonium.

Choice C rationale

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic illness involving the central nervous system, where the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers. It does not respond to edrophonium as myasthenia gravis does.

Choice D rationale

Muscle spasm refers to an involuntary contraction of a muscle that can be sudden and painful. This condition is not typically diagnosed or treated with edrophonium, which is specific for myasthenia gravis. .