The nurse observes a short period of asystole on the cardiac monitor that resolves spontaneously immediately after administering adenosine IV to a patient who was experiencing paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. Which initial action is the most appropriate for the nurse?
- A. Call a code to report a cardiac arrest.
- B. Prepare epinephrine and atropine for intravenous administration.
- C. Initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- D. Closely observe the patient and the cardiac monitor.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Adenosine is used to treat paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) by temporarily blocking AV node conduction, which can cause a brief period of asystole. This is an expected effect and typically resolves spontaneously. The nurse should closely monitor the patient and the cardiac monitor for the return of a normal rhythm. Calling a code (A), preparing epinephrine and atropine (B), or initiating CPR (C) is unnecessary unless the asystole persists or the patient becomes unstable.
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A patient is receiving an IV infusion of heparin and was started on warfarin therapy the night
- A. Which statement is most correct?
- B. The patient is receiving a double dose of anticoagulants.
- C. The heparin therapy was ineffective, so the warfarin was starte
- D. The heparin provides anticoagulation until therapeutic levels of warfarin are reache
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct statement is that the heparin provides anticoagulation until therapeutic levels of warfarin are reached. Heparin and warfarin are both anticoagulants but work in different ways. Heparin acts quickly to prevent blood clot formation while warfarin takes several days to reach its full effect. Therefore, heparin is often used initially to provide immediate anticoagulation while waiting for the warfarin to reach therapeutic levels. This dual therapy is common in clinical practice to ensure continuous anticoagulation.
Alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solution of volatile substances
- A. decoction
- B. fluid extract
- C. solution
- D. spirits
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A spirit is an alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solution of volatile substances obtained by distillation. It is commonly used in the production of alcoholic beverages and in the pharmaceutical industry for preparing tinctures and extracts. Spirits are characterized by their high alcohol content and ability to extract and preserve the properties of the substances they are derived from. Decoction is a method of extracting compounds from plants using boiling water, fluid extract is a concentrated liquid extract of a substance, solution refers to a homogeneous mixture of substances, and syrup is a thick, sweet liquid usually made by dissolving sugar in water.
Penicillin's effectiveness against rapidly growing cell is primarily due to its effect on what?
- A. protein synthesis
- B. chelation of metal ions
- C. cell wall synthesis
- D. cell membrane permeability
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Penicillin is a type of antibiotic that works by disrupting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. Bacterial cells have a cell wall that provides structural support and protection. The cell wall is composed of peptidoglycan, a complex molecule that gives the cell wall its strength. Penicillin interferes with the formation of peptidoglycan by inhibiting the enzyme transpeptidase, which is essential for cross-linking the peptidoglycan strands. As a result, bacterial cells become more susceptible to osmotic pressure and eventually burst, leading to their death. This mechanism of action is particularly effective against rapidly growing bacterial cells because they are actively synthesizing new cell wall components to keep up with their growth. Thus, penicillin's primary effectiveness against rapidly growing cells is primarily due to its disruption of cell wall synthesis.
A patient with a history of HF presents to the emergency department with difficulty breathing, cough, and edema of the lower extremities. The nurse anticipates administration of which type of medication?
- A. Positive chronotrope
- B. Negative chronotrope
- C. Positive inotrope
- D. Negative inotrope
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the scenario described, the patient with a history of heart failure (HF) is presenting with symptoms of difficulty breathing, cough, and edema of the lower extremities. These signs and symptoms suggest acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), which is characterized by a decrease in cardiac output and inadequate tissue perfusion. In this situation, the nurse would anticipate the administration of a positive inotrope medication.
What is the pharmacological action of meç€æ˜€ormin?
- A. Biguanides
- B. Benzodiazepines
- C. Nitrates
- D. Digitalis glycosides
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin belongs to the class of medications known as biguanides. Biguanides work primarily by decreasing glucose production in the liver and increasing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues, such as muscles. They also help improve glucose uptake and utilization by cells, leading to better control of blood sugar levels. Metformin is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus and can also be used in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).