Which of the following is a central vasoconstrictor and peripheral vasodilator?
- A. Parasympathetic nervous system
- B. Sympathetic nervous system
- C. Dopamine
- D. Epinephrine
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Epinephrine. Epinephrine acts as a central vasoconstrictor by constricting blood vessels in vital organs to redirect blood flow to muscles during fight-or-flight response. It also acts as a peripheral vasodilator by dilating blood vessels in skeletal muscles to increase oxygen delivery. Parasympathetic nervous system (A) mainly promotes relaxation, sympathetic nervous system (B) typically causes vasoconstriction, and dopamine (C) has limited vasoactive effects.
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What is the primary effect of a calcium channel blocker on the heart?
- A. Decreases heart rate
- B. Increases heart rate
- C. Increases blood pressure
- D. Decreases blood pressure
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The primary effect of a calcium channel blocker on the heart is to decrease blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers block the entry of calcium into the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels and the heart. This causes vasodilation and reduces the force of contraction in the heart, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. Choices A and B are incorrect as calcium channel blockers typically do not directly affect heart rate. Choice C is incorrect because calcium channel blockers actually tend to lower blood pressure rather than increase it.
Which type of medication helps to reduce blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels?
- A. Calcium channel blocker
- B. ACE inhibitor
- C. Beta-blocker
- D. Diuretic
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Calcium channel blocker. These medications work by blocking calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the blood vessels, causing them to relax and dilate, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure. ACE inhibitors (B) work by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, causing blood vessels to dilate. Beta-blockers (C) decrease heart rate and contractility but do not directly relax blood vessels. Diuretics (D) increase urine output to lower blood volume and pressure but do not directly act on blood vessels.
A patient has been receiving a heparin sodium IV for the last three days. The patient's most current platelet count is 65,000 × 103/uL; while the platelet count on admission was 350,000 × 103/uL. The cardiac-vascular nurse contacts the physician to:
- A. report that the medication level is subtherapeutic.
- B. report that the patient is exhibiting signs of an adverse reaction.
- C. request an increase in the medication infusion rate.
- D. request an order for platelet transfusion.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A significant drop in platelets suggests heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, an adverse reaction.
Which of the following adverse effects should a nurse check for when administering lidocaine?
- A. Convulsions
- B. Amnesia
- C. Dyspnea
- D. Urinary retention
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Convulsions are a serious adverse effect of lidocaine toxicity, requiring vigilant monitoring.
Mr. Olds is admitted with constrictive pericarditis. He complains of chest pain and receives morphine as ordered. Pain relief for this patient is also facilitated by
- A. Sitting forward
- B. Lying supine
- C. Taking deep breaths
- D. Coughing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sitting forward reduces pressure on the heart.