ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Drugs Classification Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse cares for four patients who are receiving clozapine, lithium, fluoxetine, and venlafaxine, respectively. With which patient should the nurse be most alert for alterations in cardiac or cerebral electrical conductivity and fluid and electrolyte imbalance? The patient receiving:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: lithium (Lithobid). Lithium is known to cause alterations in cardiac conductivity, such as prolonging the QT interval, which can lead to arrhythmias. It also affects renal function, leading to fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Clozapine, fluoxetine, and venlafaxine do not have significant effects on cardiac conductivity or fluid/electrolyte balance. Therefore, the nurse should be most alert for these issues in the patient receiving lithium.
Question 2 of 5
When administering a neuromuscular blocking drug such as pancuronium (Pavulon), the nurse needs to remember which principle?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because neuromuscular blocking drugs like pancuronium cause paralysis of skeletal muscles, including respiratory muscles. This results in the need for artificial mechanical ventilation to support breathing. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because neuromuscular blocking drugs do not provide anesthesia, only muscle paralysis; they paralyze all skeletal muscles, including respiratory muscles; and they do not provide sedation or pain relief, but rather require additional anesthesia and pain management.
Question 3 of 5
A pregnant woman is experiencing hypertension. The nurse knows that which drug is commonly used for a pregnant patient who is experiencing hypertension?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, methyldopa (Aldomet), for a pregnant patient with hypertension. Methyldopa is a safe and effective antihypertensive medication during pregnancy as it has been extensively studied and shown to be beneficial without harming the fetus. It works by stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors in the brain to reduce peripheral vascular resistance and lower blood pressure. Other choices like mannitol, enalapril, and hydrochlorothiazide are contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential risks of fetal harm or complications. Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic not used for hypertension; enalapril is an ACE inhibitor that can cause fetal harm; hydrochlorothiazide can lead to electrolyte imbalances in the fetus.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is reviewing new medication orders for a patient who has an epidural catheter for pain relief. One of the orders is for enoxaparin (Lovenox), a low–molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). What is the nurse’s priority action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Contact the prescriber because the LMWH cannot be given if the patient has an epidural catheter. This is the priority action because LMWH use is contraindicated in patients with epidural catheters due to the increased risk of epidural hematoma. Contacting the prescriber ensures patient safety. Choice A is incorrect as giving the LMWH without addressing the contraindication can lead to serious complications. Choice B is unnecessary and delays necessary action. Choice C is incorrect as stopping the epidural medication without addressing the contraindication is not the priority.
Question 5 of 5
A patient who has started drug therapy for tuberculosis wants to know how long he will be on the medications. Which response by the nurse is correct?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: “You should expect to take these drugs for as long as 24 months.” This is the correct response because drug therapy for tuberculosis typically lasts for 6 to 9 months for drug-sensitive TB and up to 24 months for drug-resistant TB. It is important to complete the full course of treatment to ensure complete eradication of the bacteria and prevent relapse. Choice A is incorrect because relying solely on symptoms to determine the duration of treatment may lead to premature discontinuation of therapy. Choice B is incorrect as drug therapy is not based on waiting for resistance to develop. Choice D is incorrect because drug therapy for tuberculosis is not lifelong in most cases, except for certain scenarios of drug-resistant TB.