The nurse is educating a patient about the use of a beta blocker to control their blood pressure. Which medication below would be considered a beta blocker?
cardizem
laberolol
losartan
simvastatin
The Correct Answer is B
A) Cardizem:
Cardizem (diltiazem) is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium channel blockers work by inhibiting the entry of calcium into the smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels, which helps relax the blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
B) Labetalol:
Labetalol is a beta blocker and an alpha-1 blocker. It works by blocking both beta-adrenergic receptors (which help decrease heart rate and blood pressure) and alpha-1 receptors (which cause vasodilation). This dual action makes labetalol effective in treating high blood pressure, especially in patients with conditions like hypertension and hypertensive emergencies. It reduces heart rate and helps relax blood vessels, improving blood flow.
C) Losartan:
Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). ARBs work by blocking the effects of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict. By blocking this effect, losartan helps lower blood pressure and is used in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure.
D) Simvastatin:
Simvastatin is a statin, which is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels. Statins work by inhibiting an enzyme involved in cholesterol production in the liver. They are used primarily to manage high cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease, but they do not have an effect on heart rate or blood pressure, unlike beta blockers.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) RR 18 bpm:
A respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute is within the normal range for adults (12-20 bpm). Therefore, this finding does not pose a significant concern in the context of digoxin therapy. Respiratory rate should be monitored, especially if the patient is experiencing signs of heart failure or digoxin toxicity, but 18 bpm alone is not alarming.
B) 1+ pitting edema of the lower extremities:
Pitting edema, especially with a grade of 1+ (slight indentation), is a common finding in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). It indicates fluid retention due to the heart's inability to pump blood effectively. While edema should be monitored, it is not immediately life-threatening or specific to digoxin toxicity.
C) BP 138/90 mm Hg:
A blood pressure of 138/90 mm Hg is slightly elevated, but it is not excessively high. This finding is manageable and should be monitored, particularly in heart failure patients, but it does not present an immediate concern in this case. Blood pressure management is crucial in CHF, but it does not directly correlate with digoxin toxicity.
D) Heart rate 54 beats/min:
A heart rate of 54 beats per minute is considered bradycardic, especially in a patient taking digoxin. Digoxin can lower heart rate by increasing vagal tone and inhibiting the AV node. Bradycardia is a well-known sign of digoxin toxicity, and this finding is concerning because it may indicate that the patient is experiencing toxicity. Digoxin-induced bradycardia can lead to more serious arrhythmias or hemodynamic instability, making this the most concerning finding that requires immediate assessment and possibly intervention.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Given:
Volume of fluid: 500 mL
Infusion time: 6 hours
Drop factor: 15 gtt/mL
Formula for mL/hr:
Flow rate (mL/hr) = Volume (mL) / Time (hr)
Step 1: Calculate the flow rate in mL/hr:
Flow rate (mL/hr) = 500 mL / 6 hr
Flow rate (mL/hr) = 83.33 mL/hr
Formula for gtt/min:
Flow rate (gtt/min) = (Volume (mL) / Time (hr)) x Drop factor (gtt/mL) / 60 min/hr
Step 2: Calculate the flow rate in gtt/min:
Flow rate (gtt/min) = (500 mL / 6 hr) x 15 gtt/mL / 60 min/hr
Flow rate (gtt/min) = 83.33 mL/hr x 15 gtt/mL / 60 min/hr
Flow rate (gtt/min) = 1250 gtt/hr / 60 min/hr
Flow rate (gtt/min) = 20.83 gtt/min
Step 3: Round to the nearest whole number:
Flow rate (mL/hr) ≈ 83 mL/hr
Flow rate (gtt/min) ≈ 21 gtt/min
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