A patient is admitted with severe hypertensive crisis. The nurse will anticipate administering which medication?
Captopril PO
Hydralazine (Apresoline) 25 mg PO
Minoxidil 20 mg PO
Sodium nitroprusside (Nitropress) IV
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Captopril PO is used for chronic hypertension, not acute crises, due to slower onset. IV nitroprusside acts rapidly to control severe hypertension, so this is incorrect.
Choice B reason: Hydralazine PO has a slower onset, unsuitable for hypertensive crisis requiring immediate control. IV nitroprusside is faster and titratable, making this incorrect for acute management.
Choice C reason: Minoxidil PO is for refractory hypertension, not emergencies, due to delayed action. Sodium nitroprusside IV is preferred for rapid control, so this is incorrect.
Choice D reason: Sodium nitroprusside IV is the drug of choice for hypertensive crisis, offering rapid, titratable blood pressure reduction. This aligns with urgent needs, making it the correct choice.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Metabolic acidosis involves low pH and HCO3-; here, pH is normal, and HCO3- is high. Elevated PaCO2 compensates for high HCO3-, so this is incorrect for the ABG values.
Choice B reason: Normal pH (7.39), high HCO3- (29), and high PaCO2 (47) indicate metabolic alkalosis fully compensated by respiratory retention of CO2. This matches the values, making it correct.
Choice C reason: Respiratory alkalosis has low PaCO2 and normal or low HCO3-. Here, PaCO2 and HCO3- are high, ruling this out, so it’s incorrect for the given ABG profile.
Choice D reason: Respiratory acidosis has high PaCO2 and low pH. Normal pH and high HCO3- suggest metabolic alkalosis, not respiratory acidosis, making this incorrect for the values.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Metabolic acidosis has low pH and HCO3-. Normal pH (7.41) and high HCO3- (30) suggest alkalosis, not acidosis, so this is incorrect for the ABG values.
Choice B reason: Respiratory acidosis has high PaCO2 and low pH. Normal pH and high HCO3- indicate metabolic alkalosis, not respiratory acidosis, so this is incorrect.
Choice C reason: Respiratory alkalosis has low PaCO2 and high pH. High PaCO2 (46) and HCO3- rule this out, pointing to metabolic alkalosis, so this is incorrect.
Choice D reason: Normal pH (7.41), high PaCO2 (46), and high HCO3- (30) indicate metabolic alkalosis fully compensated by respiratory CO2 retention. This is correct.
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