ATI RN
Drugs for Cardiovascular Disease Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse concludes that a restless, agitated client is manifesting a fight-or-flight response. The nurse should associate this response with which neurotransmitter?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Norepinephrine. In the fight-or-flight response, the body releases norepinephrine, which triggers physiological changes to prepare for a perceived threat. Norepinephrine increases heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose release for energy. Acetylcholine (A) is involved in muscle contraction and parasympathetic nervous system functions. Dopamine (B) is associated with reward and pleasure. Serotonin (C) regulates mood, appetite, and sleep. Norepinephrine (D) is the neurotransmitter most closely associated with the fight-or-flight response due to its role in stress response and alertness.
Question 2 of 5
A patient takes lithium daily. The nurse should monitor the patient for:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for the correct answer (C): 1. Lithium is known to cause side effects such as diaphoresis (excessive sweating), weakness, and nausea. 2. Monitoring for diaphoresis is important as it may indicate lithium toxicity. 3. Weakness and nausea are common side effects of lithium that should be closely monitored. 4. These symptoms can help the nurse assess the patient's response to lithium therapy and detect any potential adverse effects early. 5. Pharyngitis, mydriasis, dystonia (choice A) are not commonly associated with lithium therapy. 6. Alopecia, purpura, drowsiness (choice B) are not typical side effects of lithium. 7. Ascites, dyspnea, edema (choice D) are not commonly seen with lithium use. In summary, monitoring for diaphoresis, weakness, and nausea is crucial in patients taking lithium to ensure patient safety and well-being.
Question 3 of 5
A patient has developed mild hypertension. The nurse acknowledges that the first-line drug for treating this patient’s blood pressure might be which drug?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diuretic. Diuretics are considered first-line treatment for mild hypertension as they help reduce blood volume and lower blood pressure. They work by increasing urine output, which decreases the amount of fluid in the blood vessels, thus reducing blood pressure. Alpha blockers (B) and alpha/beta blockers (D) are typically used as second-line treatments or in specific cases, not as first-line for mild hypertension. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (C) are another common first-line treatment for hypertension, but diuretics are usually preferred initially for mild cases.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is hospitalized for severe depression. Of the medications listed below, the nurse can expect to provide the patient with teaching about:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: sertraline (Zoloft) – an SSRI. Sertraline is commonly prescribed for depression due to its effectiveness in managing symptoms by balancing serotonin levels in the brain. Teaching for this medication would include instructions on how to take it, potential side effects, and the importance of compliance. A: chlordiazepoxide (Librium) is an antianxiety medication and not typically used as a first-line treatment for depression. B: clozapine (Clozaril) is an atypical antipsychotic mainly used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, not for depression. D: tacrine (Cognex) is used for Alzheimer's disease and is not indicated for depression. In summary, the other choices are incorrect because they are not commonly used to treat depression and do not have the same mechanism of action as sertraline in managing depressive symptoms.
Question 5 of 5
A patient tells a nurse, “My doctor thinks my problem may lie with the neurotransmitters in my brain. What are neurotransmitters?” The reply that will give the patient the best understanding of neurotransmitters is, “Neurotransmitters are:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "the chemical messengers that cause brain cells to turn on or off." This is the best answer because neurotransmitters are indeed chemical substances that transmit signals across synapses between neurons, either exciting or inhibiting the receiving neuron. This explanation accurately describes the essential function of neurotransmitters in regulating brain cell activity. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: B: "small clumps of cells that alert the other brain cells to receive messages." This is incorrect as neurotransmitters are not clumps of cells but rather individual molecules that facilitate communication between neurons. C: "tiny areas of the brain that are responsible for controlling our emotions." This is incorrect as neurotransmitters are not specific areas of the brain but rather chemicals that play a role in various brain functions, including emotions. D: "weblike structures that provide connections among various parts of the brain." This is incorrect as neurotransmitters are not physical structures but chemical substances that facilitate communication between neurons.