A nurse is preparing to administer verapamil to a client who is 2 days post-myocardial infarction. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following outcomes as a therapeutic response to the medication?
Increased heart rate
Increased blood pressure
Decreased pulmonary congestion
Decreased anginal pain
The Correct Answer is D
A. Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that typically decreases heart rate rather than increases it. Therefore, an increased heart rate would not be a therapeutic response to this medication.
B. Verapamil works to lower blood pressure by inhibiting calcium influx into the vascular smooth muscle. An increase in blood pressure would not be an expected therapeutic outcome.
C. While verapamil may help with heart function, the primary therapeutic response is not specifically measured by decreased pulmonary congestion. This outcome may not be directly observable in the early treatment phases post-myocardial infarction.
D. Verapamil is effective in reducing anginal pain by decreasing myocardial oxygen demand through lowering heart rate and contractility. Thus, a decrease in anginal pain would be a direct therapeutic response to the medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Mostly cloudy: This option appears to be incorrectly stated. It does not pertain to a critical client assessment related to morphine administration.
B. Apical heart rate: Monitoring the heart rate is important, but respiratory depression is a more immediate and life-threatening concern with morphine administration, so it is not the first priority.
C. Blood pressure: Morphine can cause hypotension, but this is not as critical as respiratory depression, which must be assessed first in opioid administration.
D. Respiratory rate: The most critical assessment when administering morphine is the respiratory rate, as opioid medications like morphine can cause respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening if not addressed.
E. Level of consciousness: While important, changes in consciousness typically follow respiratory depression, so assessing the respiratory rate takes priority.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Magnesium 2.5 mEq/L: A magnesium level slightly above the normal range does not indicate an immediate need to discontinue clozapine, as this level is not related to the adverse effects of the drug.
B. Potassium 5.4 mEq/L: While elevated potassium levels can pose a health risk, this is not a direct indicator to discontinue clozapine. Potassium levels can be managed with other interventions.
C. WBC 2,500/mm³: Clozapine carries a risk of agranulocytosis, a condition where the white blood cell (WBC) count becomes dangerously low, leading to severe infection risk. A WBC count of 2,500/mm³ is below the normal range and indicates the need to discontinue clozapine immediately.
D. Sodium 134 mEq/L: A slightly low sodium level is not typically related to clozapine use and does not warrant discontinuation of the medication.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
