A nurse is about to administer Propanolol to a patient. The nurse takes the patient's apical pulse and documents it as 58 bmp. How should the nurse continue?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should withhold administration of the medication and notify the physician. The apical pulse of 58 bpm is below the normal range (60-100 bpm for adults), and propranolol is a beta-blocker that can further decrease the heart rate. Administering propranolol at this low heart rate may cause bradycardia (excessively slow heart rate) which can lead to serious complications. It is important to inform the physician of the low heart rate so that appropriate action or further assessment can be taken before administering the medication.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Furosemide belongs to the therapeutic class of diuretics. Diuretics are medications that promote diuresis, which is the increased production of urine. Furosemide specifically belongs to the loop diuretic class, working by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the loop of Henle in the kidney, leading to increased excretion of water and electrolytes. This mechanism makes it a commonly used medication for conditions such as congestive heart failure, edema, and hypertension.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Sedatives are a type of drug that depresses the central nervous system and can induce a state of calmness and relaxation. In higher doses, sedatives can lead to stupor, which is a state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility. Stupor is often characterized by a marked decrease in alertness and responsiveness. Examples of sedatives include benzodiazepines, such as Valium and Xanax, as well as non-benzodiazepine sedatives like Ambien and Lunesta.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this context, a liquid preparation of vegetable drugs prepared by percolation and containing alcohol is known as a fluid extract. Fluid extracts are concentrated herbal extracts that are typically made by percolating a solvent, such as alcohol, through the plant material to extract its active constituents. This process results in a liquid extract that contains the medicinal properties of the plant. Fluid extracts are commonly used in herbal medicine due to their potency and ability to preserve the therapeutic compounds of the plant.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Glyceryl trinitrate, also known as nitroglycerin, is most effective for the treatment of angina when given sublingually (under the tongue). This route allows for rapid absorption of the medication directly into the bloodstream, providing quick relief of angina symptoms. Sublingual administration ensures the drug bypasses the first-pass metabolism in the liver, resulting in higher bioavailability compared to oral administration. The sublingual route also allows for a faster onset of action, making it the preferred route for the management of acute angina episodes.