Which medication is recognized by the Registered Nurse (RN) as a dilator for both arteries and veins?
Norepinephrine
Nitroglycerin
Nitroprusside sodium (Nitropress)
Lidocaine
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Norepinephrine is a potent vasoconstrictor, meaning it narrows blood vessels. It primarily acts on arteries, but it can also constrict veins to a lesser extent.
Its primary actions are to increase systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure.
It is often used in conditions such as shock to raise blood pressure and improve perfusion to vital organs.
It is not a vasodilator and would not be appropriate for a patient requiring dilation of both arteries and veins.
Choice B rationale:
Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that primarily acts on veins. It relaxes the smooth muscle in the walls of veins, which allows them to dilate and hold more blood.
This reduces the amount of blood returning to the heart, which in turn lowers preload and reduces cardiac workload.
Nitroglycerin is often used to treat angina pectoris, a condition characterized by chest pain due to insufficient blood flow to the heart.
While it can also have some vasodilatory effects on arteries, its primary action is on veins.
Choice C rationale:
Nitroprusside sodium (Nitropress) is a potent vasodilator that acts on both arteries and veins. It directly relaxes smooth muscle in the blood vessel walls, leading to dilation.
It is a very powerful vasodilator and can rapidly lower blood pressure.
It is often used in hypertensive emergencies to quickly reduce blood pressure and improve cardiac function.
It is also used in conditions such as congestive heart failure and acute aortic dissection to reduce afterload and improve cardiac output.
Choice D rationale:
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic agent that is primarily used to block nerve conduction. It does not have any direct vasodilatory effects.
It is sometimes used in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, but its mechanism of action in this setting is not related to vasodilation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Calcitonin (Fortical) is a hormone that lowers blood calcium levels. It is not indicated for the treatment of hypocalcemia caused by parathyroid hormone deficiency. In fact, it could worsen the condition by further reducing calcium levels.
Calcitonin is primarily used to treat hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) and osteoporosis.
It works by inhibiting osteoclast activity, which reduces bone resorption and calcium release into the bloodstream.
Choice B rationale:
Calcium is the essential mineral for treating hypocalcemia. It directly replenishes calcium levels in the blood.
Calcium can be administered orally (PO) or intravenously (IVPB), depending on the severity of the hypocalcemia and the patient's condition.
Oral calcium is often preferred for mild to moderate hypocalcemia, while IV calcium is typically used for severe hypocalcemia or when rapid correction is necessary.
Calcium supplements are available in various forms, including calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, and calcium gluconate. The dosage of calcium will be individualized based on the patient's serum calcium levels and clinical response.
Choice C rationale:
Vitamin B12 is not directly involved in calcium regulation. It is essential for red blood cell production and nerve function. While vitamin B12 deficiency can sometimes be associated with hypocalcemia, it is not a primary treatment for this condition. Choice D rationale:
Vitamin D3 (Calcitriol) is a hormone that aids in calcium absorption from the intestines. It is often used in conjunction with calcium supplements to treat hypocalcemia.
However, vitamin D3 alone is not sufficient to treat hypocalcemia caused by parathyroid hormone deficiency. Parathyroid hormone is essential for activating vitamin D3 in the kidneys, so its deficiency limits the effectiveness of vitamin D3.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Incorrect. Insulin pumps should be removed before bathing or swimming to prevent damage to the device. Water can enter the pump through the infusion set or through the battery compartment, causing it to malfunction. This can lead to inaccurate insulin delivery, which can result in hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.
Additionally, the adhesive that holds the infusion set in place may not stick well to wet skin, which can increase the risk of the infusion set falling out.
It is important to note that some insulin pumps are now waterproof and can be worn while bathing or swimming. However, it is still important to check the manufacturer's instructions before doing so.
Choice B rationale:
Correct. Even though insulin pumps deliver insulin continuously, people who use them still need to monitor their blood glucose levels regularly. This is because many factors can affect blood glucose levels, such as food intake, exercise, stress, and illness.
Monitoring blood glucose levels allows people to adjust their insulin doses as needed to keep their blood glucose levels within a target range.
Recommended frequency of blood glucose monitoring:
Before meals and snacks Two hours after meals At bedtime
Before and after exercise During times of illness or stress
Whenever they feel symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia
Choice C rationale:
Incorrect. People who use insulin pumps still need to count carbohydrates. This is because the amount of insulin that is needed to cover a meal depends on the amount of carbohydrates in the meal.
The insulin pump can be programmed to deliver different amounts of insulin for different meals, snacks, and corrections based on carbohydrate intake. This allows for more precise insulin dosing and better blood glucose control.
Choice D rationale:
Incorrect. Insulin pumps are not designed to help people lose weight. They are designed to help people manage their blood glucose levels.
While some people may lose weight when they start using an insulin pump, this is usually due to improved blood glucose control rather than the pump itself.
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