ATI Advanced Pharmacology Final Exam I Related

Review ATI Advanced Pharmacology Final Exam I related questions and content

A patient asked the nurse what cardiac glycosides do to improve his condition. What is the nurse's best response?

  • A. They increase heart rate.
  • B. They decrease the force of myocardial contractions.
  • C. They decrease conduction velocity.
  • D. They help renal blood flow and increase urine output.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because cardiac glycosides, such as digoxin, help improve heart failure by increasing renal blood flow and urine output. This occurs by inhibiting the sodium-potassium pump, leading to increased intracellular calcium levels, which in turn enhances cardiac contractility and renal perfusion. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because cardiac glycosides do not increase heart rate, decrease the force of myocardial contractions, or decrease conduction velocity. These medications actually have a positive inotropic effect, increasing the force of myocardial contractions.