RN NCLEX Practice Test Related

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The nurse discovers that a 78-year-old client who received hydralazine (Apresoline) 20 mg 45 minutes ago has a blood pressure of 70/40 mm Hg. The client has been on this dose of the medication for 3 years. Which of the following data is most likely significant in relation to the cause of the low blood pressure?

  • A. Pedal pulses 11 (weak)
  • B. Twenty-four-hour intake 1000 mL/day for past 2 days
  • C. Serum potassium 3.3
  • D. Pulse rate 150 bpm
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: (A, D) Decreased pulse volume and increased pulse rate are signs of an acute hypotensive episode. Inadequate fluid volume when taking vasodilators can result in a drop in blood pressure when vasodilation starts to physiologically occur as an action of the drug. A potassium level of 3.3 would not be associated with a significant drop in blood pressure.