A patient asked the nurse what cardiac glycosides do to improve his condition.
What is the nurse's best response?
They increase heart rate.
They decrease the force of myocardial contractions.
They decrease conduction velocity.
They help renal blood flow and increase urine output.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Cardiac glycosides are not known for increasing heart rate. Instead, they tend to decrease heart rate by enhancing vagal tone and increasing the refractory period of the atrioventricular node, which helps in controlling heart rate, especially in atrial fibrillation.
Choice B rationale
Cardiac glycosides actually increase the force of myocardial contractions. They inhibit the sodium-potassium ATPase pump, which leads to an increase in intracellular sodium and calcium levels in the myocardial cells, thus increasing the force of contraction.
Choice C rationale
Cardiac glycosides do not significantly decrease conduction velocity. They primarily affect the contractility and heart rate but their influence on conduction velocity is relatively mild.
Choice D rationale
Cardiac glycosides improve renal blood flow and increase urine output by increasing the cardiac output and reducing the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. This helps in relieving symptoms of heart failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While the increase in the number of drug addicts has led to stricter regulations, this is not the primary reason for the difficulty in obtaining narcotic prescriptions.
Choice B rationale
Controlled substances like narcotics are regulated by the FDA and the DEA to prevent misuse and ensure they are prescribed and dispensed safely and appropriately.
Choice C rationale
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not regulate controlled substances; they focus on public health issues and disease prevention.
Choice D rationale
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) does determine the risk for addiction, but it is the FDA that enforces regulations related to controlled substances. .
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Reassuring the client without addressing the persistent cough would not be appropriate as it may signal a need for a different medication. The ACE inhibitor captopril can cause a bothersome, persistent cough in some patients due to increased bradykinin levels.
Choice B rationale
Instructing the patient to stop the medication immediately is not advised without consulting the healthcare provider. While the cough is a known side effect, stopping the medication abruptly may lead to unmanaged hypertension.
Choice C rationale
Scheduling an appointment with the provider to discuss changing to an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) is appropriate. ARBs do not typically cause a persistent cough, making them a suitable alternative for patients who experience this side effect with ACE inhibitors.
Choice D rationale
Instructing the patient to go to the emergency room immediately is unnecessary as the persistent cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors and not an emergency situation. Emergency action is warranted for symptoms of angioedema, such as swelling of the face or throat.
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