Nokea
During a follow-up visit, the health care provider examines the fundus of the patient's eye. Afterward, the patient asks the nurse, -Why is he looking at my eyes when I have high blood pressure? It does not make sense to me! What is the best response by the nurse?
- A. We need to monitor for drug toxicity.
- B. We must watch for increased intraocular pressure.
- C. The provider is assessing for visual changes that may occur with drug therapy.
- D. The provider is making sure the treatment is effective over the long term.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The physician would examine the fundus of a patient's eyes during antihypertensive therapy because it is a more reliable indicator than blood pressure readings of the long-term effectiveness of treatment.
You may also like to solve these questions
A patient is to receive enalapril 5 mg IV every 6 hours. Each dose is given over 5 minutes. The medication is available in an injectable form, 1.25 mg/mL. Identify how many milliliters of medication will the nurse draw up for each dose.
Correct Answer: 4 mL
Rationale: 1.25 mg : 1 mL :: 5 mg : x mL; (1.25 * x) = (1 * 5); 1.25x = 5; x = 4 mL.
The nurse is reviewing the orders for a patient and notes a new order for an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. The nurse checks the current medication orders, knowing that this drug class may have a serious interaction with what other drug class?
- A. Calcium channel blockers
- B. Diuretics
- C. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- D. Nitrates
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can reduce the antihypertensive effect of ACE inhibitors. In addition, the use of NSAIDs and ACE inhibitors may also predispose patients to the development of acute renal failure.
A patient with severe liver disease is receiving the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, captopril. The nurse is aware that the advantage of this drug for this patient is which characteristic?
- A. Captopril rarely causes first-dose hypotensive effects.
- B. Captopril has little effect on electrolyte levels.
- C. Captopril is a prodrug and is metabolized by the liver before becoming active.
- D. Captopril does not need to be metabolized by the liver before becoming active because it is not a prodrug.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A prodrug relies on a functioning liver to be converted to its active form. Captopril is not a prodrug, and therefore it would be safer for the patient with liver dysfunction.
The nurse is creating a plan of care for a patient with a new diagnosis of hypertension. Which is a potential human needs statement for the patient taking antihypertensive medications?
- A. Altered GI elimination (diarrhea)
- B. Altered sexual function
- C. Altered urinary elimination (urge incontinence)
- D. Need for effective perception
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Altered sexual function is a potential human needs statement related to possible adverse effects of antihypertensive drug therapy. The other human needs statements are not appropriate.
When counseling a male patient about the possible adverse effects of antihypertensive drugs, the nurse will discuss which potential problem?
- A. Impotence
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Increased libido
- D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sexual dysfunction is a common complication of antihypertensive medications and may be manifested in men as decreased libido or impotence. The other options are incorrect.