A patient has been placed on a loop diuretic to reduce the fluid that has been accumulating in the lungs.
Which statement made by the patient indicates a need for further teaching about the medication by the nurse?

Alpha 1 adrenergic blocking agents have a vasodilating effect and can be used for the management of hypertension.They work by preventing the hormone norepinephrine from tightening the muscles in the walls of smaller arteries and veins, thus lowering the blood pressure.Some examples of alpha 1 blockers are doxazosin, prazosin, and terazosin.

Choice A is wrong because alpha 3 adrenergic blockers do not exist.There are only two subtypes of alpha receptors: alpha 1 and alpha 2.

Choice B is wrong because alpha 2 adrenergic antagonists are not used for hypertension.They are used for conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and opioid withdrawal.Alpha 2 antagonists block the negative feedback mechanism of norepinephrine release, thus increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the blood and raising the blood pressure.

Choice C is wrong because alpha 1 adrenergic agonists have the opposite effect of alpha 1 blockers.They stimulate the alpha 1 receptors and cause vasoconstriction, which increases the blood pressure.Alpha 1 agonists are used for conditions like nasal congestion and hypotension.

HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein, which is a type of cholesterol that carries excess cholesterol from other parts of the body back to the liver, where it can be removed.HDL cholesterol is often called the “good” cholesterol because it helps protect against heart disease by lowering the amount of plaque buildup in the arteries.Increasing HDL cholesterol levels can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients.

Choice A is wrong because increasing LDL cholesterol levels would have the opposite effect.

LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein, which is a type of cholesterol that carries cholesterol from the liver to other parts of the body, where it can accumulate in the walls of the arteries and form plaque.

LDL cholesterol is often called the “bad” cholesterol because it increases the risk of heart disease by narrowing and hardening the arteries.Decreasing LDL cholesterol levels can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients.

Choice C is wrong because increasing triglyceride levels would also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) that circulates in the blood and provides energy for the body.

However, when triglycerides are too high, they can contribute to plaque formation in the arteries and inflammation of the pancreas.

High triglycerides are often associated with obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and low thyroid levels.Lowering triglyceride levels can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients.

Choice D is wrong because increasing intake of saturated fats would also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Saturated fats are a type of fat that are solid at room temperature and are found mostly in animal products, such as meat, butter, cheese, and cream.

Saturated fats can raise both LDL and HDL cholesterol levels, but they also increase inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease.Reducing intake of saturated fats and replacing them with unsaturated fats, such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fish, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients.

The normal ranges for blood lipid levels are as follows:

• Total cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L)

• LDL cholesterol: less than 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L)

• HDL cholesterol: 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L) or higher for men; 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) or higher for women

• Triglycerides: less than 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)