A patient is taking an ACE inhibitor for hypertension. The patient reports a constant, dry, hacking cough. The nurse would expect the provider to change the current treatment to which of the following medications?
Hydralazine
An antiplatelet medication
An angiotensin in receptor blocker (ARB)
Nitroglycerin
The Correct Answer is C
A. Hydralazine is a vasodilator, but it does not have the same mechanism of action as ACE inhibitors or ARBs and would not be an appropriate substitute.
B. An antiplatelet medication is not appropriate for addressing a cough and is typically used for cardiovascular conditions like preventing blood clots.
C. ARBs, such as losartan, are a class of medications that work similarly to ACE inhibitors by blocking the effects of angiotensin II, but they do not cause the common side effect of a dry, hacking cough, which is seen with ACE inhibitors. This makes ARBs a good alternative for patients who experience this side effect.
D. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator used in acute conditions like chest pain, not for managing hypertension or a cough related to ACE inhibitors.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Nitroglycerin is often taken preventatively before activities that may trigger chest pain, in addition to being used when chest pain occurs. The statement is incorrect because nitroglycerin can be used both preventatively and acutely.
B. A headache is a common side effect of nitroglycerin due to vasodilation. However, the client’s primary concern should be relief of chest pain, and the statement does not demonstrate a proper response to the medication’s therapeutic effect.
C. This statement indicates understanding of the correct action if chest pain is unrelieved after taking the maximum recommended dose of nitroglycerin (three tablets, 5 minutes apart). If pain persists, it may indicate a myocardial infarction, and the client should seek emergency medical help immediately by calling an ambulance.
D. Nitroglycerin may cause vasodilation and potentially reduce respiratory rate, but it does not directly reduce the respiratory rate in a therapeutic sense. This statement misrepresents the expected effect of the drug.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Temperature is not directly related to the effects of nitroglycerin or the client’s need for additional doses.
B. While oxygen saturation is important, it does not directly influence the decision to administer nitroglycerin, which primarily works to relieve chest pain by dilating coronary arteries and reducing myocardial oxygen demand.
C. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that can lower blood pressure. It is crucial to check the client’s blood pressure before administering another dose of nitroglycerin because excessive drops in blood pressure can lead to dizziness, fainting, or other complications. If the blood pressure is already low, further administration may be contraindicated.
D. Apical pulse rate is important to monitor but is not the most critical cue in this scenario. Nitroglycerin primarily affects blood pressure and coronary circulation rather than directly influencing heart rate.
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