The nurse is administering a calcium channel blocker. What is the primary effect of this medication on the cardiovascular system?
- A. Decreases heart rate
- B. Increases heart rate
- C. Increases blood pressure
- D. Decreases blood pressure
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decreases blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers inhibit the influx of calcium into cardiac and smooth muscle cells, leading to vasodilation and decreased peripheral resistance, ultimately reducing blood pressure. This effect is beneficial in conditions such as hypertension and angina. The other choices are incorrect because calcium channel blockers typically do not directly affect heart rate or increase blood pressure.
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What type of imaging test uses X-rays to visualize the blood vessels after injecting them with a contrast dye?
- A. Angiography
- B. CT scan
- C. MRI
- D. Ultrasound
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Angiography. Angiography is the imaging test that uses X-rays to visualize blood vessels by injecting contrast dye. This dye highlights the blood vessels, allowing for clear visualization on X-ray images. Angiography is specifically designed to provide detailed images of the blood vessels and identify any blockages or abnormalities.
B: CT scan uses X-rays but does not involve injecting contrast dye into blood vessels.
C: MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves, not X-rays.
D: Ultrasound uses sound waves, not X-rays or contrast dye to visualize blood vessels.
The nurse is teaching a client about side effects of ACE inhibitors. What is the most important side effect to monitor?
- A. Cough
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Hypotension
- D. Dizziness
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cough. ACE inhibitors can cause a persistent, dry cough due to bradykinin accumulation. It is important to monitor for this as it can indicate potential angioedema, a serious adverse effect. Hyperkalemia (B) is a potential side effect but may not be as immediate or common as cough. Hypotension (C) is a common side effect but not as crucial to monitor as cough. Dizziness (D) is a common side effect but not as significant as cough in terms of potential complications.
In counseling the patient about sexual activity following an MI, what should the nurse do?
- A. Wait for the patient to ask about resuming sexual activity
- B. Discuss sexual activity while teaching about other physical activity
- C. Have the patient ask the health care provider when sexual activity can be resumed
- D. Inform the patient that impotence is a common long-term complication following MI
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Sexual activity should be discussed proactively.
The client is on enoxaparin (Lovenox) for DVT prophylaxis. What is the most important lab value to monitor?
- A. Platelet count
- B. PT/INR
- C. aPTT
- D. Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Platelet count. Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin that can cause thrombocytopenia, a potentially serious side effect. Monitoring platelet count is crucial to detect any decrease, as it may increase the risk of bleeding. PT/INR and aPTT are used to monitor warfarin and heparin, respectively, not enoxaparin. Hemoglobin monitoring is important for anemia but not the most crucial lab value in this scenario.
A patient recently had a cardiac catheterization via right-radial approach and now has a compression device in place. The patient reports numbness and pain in the right hand. The cardiac-vascular nurse notes a diminished pulse, with a cool and cyanotic hand. The nurse:
- A. calls the physician.
- B. performs an Allen test.
- C. reduces the pressure on the puncture site.
- D. uses the Doppler ultrasound to assess for pulse signals.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Reducing pressure on the puncture site is necessary to restore blood flow to the hand.