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.
You may also like to solve these questions
What is a surgical procedure where a blood vessel is grafted to bypass a blocked coronary artery, improving blood flow to the heart muscle?
- A. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
- B. Valve replacement
- C. Angioplasty
- D. Endarterectomy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). This surgical procedure involves grafting a blood vessel to bypass a blocked coronary artery, improving blood flow to the heart muscle. It is used to treat severe coronary artery disease. Valve replacement (B) is a surgery to replace heart valves, not to bypass blocked arteries. Angioplasty (C) involves inserting a balloon to widen a narrowed artery, not bypassing it. Endarterectomy (D) is a procedure to remove plaque from an artery, not bypassing a blocked coronary artery.
What condition is characterized by a water hammer pulse?
- A. Aortic regurgitation
- B. Mitral valve stenosis
- C. Mitral regurgitation
- D. Aortic stenosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A water-hammer pulse is characteristic of aortic regurgitation due to the sudden increase in arterial pressure followed by rapid decline.
The client on spironolactone (Aldactone) should avoid which type of food?
- A. Foods high in potassium
- B. Foods high in sodium
- C. Foods high in calcium
- D. Foods high in chloride
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Foods high in potassium. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, meaning it helps the body retain potassium. Consuming foods high in potassium while on spironolactone can lead to hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood. This can result in serious health complications such as irregular heartbeats and muscle weakness. Therefore, it is crucial for clients on spironolactone to avoid foods high in potassium to prevent these adverse effects. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because spironolactone does not specifically interact with sodium, calcium, or chloride in a way that necessitates avoiding foods high in these electrolytes.
What is a chronic condition where the heart muscle becomes weakened and enlarged, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively?
- A. Dilated cardiomyopathy
- B. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- C. Myocarditis
- D. Pericarditis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dilated cardiomyopathy. This is a chronic condition characterized by the heart muscle becoming weakened and enlarged, leading to reduced pumping efficiency. This results in symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling. The other choices are incorrect because:
B: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is characterized by thickening of the heart muscle, not weakening and enlargement.
C: Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, not specifically causing heart muscle weakening and enlargement.
D: Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium (outer lining of the heart), not directly affecting heart muscle function.
In developing a teaching plan for Mr. Jones on hydrochlorothiazide, it would be important to include
- A. avoiding consumption of alcoholic beverages
- B. restricting potassium intake
- C. increasing fluid intake
- D. restricting physical activity
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Alcohol can exacerbate diuretic effects.