The nurse is explaining to a patient how ACE inhibitors affect blood pressure. Which statement accurately describes the action of these medications?
They lower heart rate.
They inhibit vasoconstriction.
They increase aldosterone secretion.
They promote sodium retention.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: ACE inhibitors do not lower heart rate. They lower blood pressure by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which is a potent vasoconstrictor. Beta blockers are the drugs that lower heart rate and blood pressure.
Choice B reason: ACE inhibitors inhibit vasoconstriction. This is the correct statement that describes the action of these medications. By blocking the angiotensin II formation, they prevent the narrowing of the blood vessels and reduce the resistance to blood flow.
Choice C reason: ACE inhibitors do not increase aldosterone secretion. They decrease it. Aldosterone is a hormone that causes the kidneys to retain sodium and water, which increases blood volume and pressure. By blocking the angiotensin II formation, ACE inhibitors reduce the stimulation of aldosterone secretion and promote sodium and water excretion.
Choice D reason: ACE inhibitors do not promote sodium retention. They promote sodium excretion. As explained above, ACE inhibitors reduce the aldosterone secretion and prevent the kidneys from reabsorbing sodium and water. This lowers the blood volume and pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct statement. Non-selective beta-adrenergic blockers can interfere with the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), such as tachycardia, tremors, and sweating. They can also impair the glucose metabolism and insulin secretion in the body. Therefore, patients with diabetes who take non-selective beta-adrenergic blockers need to monitor their blood glucose levels closely and adjust their insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents accordingly.
Choice B reason: This is not a correct statement. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, do not interact with non-selective beta-adrenergic blockers. However, they can reduce the effectiveness of other antihypertensive medications, such as diuretics or ACE inhibitors, by causing fluid retention and decreasing renal blood flow.
Choice C reason: This is not a correct statement. Non-selective beta-adrenergic blockers have a rapid onset of action and can lower the blood pressure within hours of administration. Therefore, patients do not need to wait for a few weeks to see if their dosage is effective. However, they may need periodic follow-up visits to monitor their blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs.
Choice D reason: This is not a correct statement. Dizziness is a common side effect of non-selective beta-adrenergic blockers, especially when the patient changes position or stands up quickly. This is due to the orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing up) caused by the vasodilation effect of the medication. However, this does not mean that the patient should stop taking the medication, as this can cause rebound hypertension and other complications. Instead, the patient should rise slowly from a sitting or lying position, drink plenty of fluids, and report any severe or persistent dizziness to their health care provider.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Glucocorticoids can cause an increase in blood sugar by stimulating gluconeogenesis and inhibiting insulin action. Therefore, a patient with type 1 diabetes who is taking glucocorticoids will not have no change in blood sugar, but rather a rise in blood sugar.
Choice B reason: Glucocorticoids can cause an increase in blood pressure by promoting sodium and water retention and increasing vascular reactivity. Therefore, a patient with type 1 diabetes who is taking glucocorticoids will not have a decrease in the blood pressure, but rather a possible increase in the blood pressure.
Choice C reason: Glucocorticoids can cause an increase in blood sugar by stimulating gluconeogenesis and inhibiting insulin action. Therefore, a patient with type 1 diabetes who is taking glucocorticoids will have an increase in blood sugar. This is the correct statement that describes the expected effect of glucocorticoids in this patient.
Choice D reason: Glucocorticoids can cause an increase in blood sugar by stimulating gluconeogenesis and inhibiting insulin action. Therefore, a patient with type 1 diabetes who is taking glucocorticoids will not have an increase in the need for carbohydrates, but rather a need for more insulin to control the blood sugar.
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