A patient asks the nurse to tell her more about a new drug the patient has been prescribed called

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The response, "This drug is the first medication your health care provider will use to treat your angina," is accurate because Ranexa (ranolazine) is commonly used as a first-line treatment for chronic angina. It is typically prescribed when other angina medications, such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, are not sufficient or well-tolerated by the patient. Ranexa works by helping the heart muscle to relax, which can improve blood flow to the heart and reduce angina symptoms. It is important for the patient to understand that Ranexa is specifically intended to treat angina and should not be used for other conditions without consulting their healthcare provider.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Milrinone (Primacor) is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that acts by increasing the levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in cardiac muscle cells. This leads to an increased force of cardiac contractions, which is known as a positive inotropic effect. This effect results in the heart muscle contracting more forcefully, leading to an increased cardiac output. The other options (A. Increased heart rate, B. Increased blood vessel dilation, D. Increased conduction of electrical impulses across the heart) do not directly relate to the inotropic effect of milrinone.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse will know that it is important to teach the patient to take extra precautions when standing up because of the potential risk of orthostatic hypotension and falls while taking a diuretic for hypertension. Orthostatic hypotension is a common side effect of diuretics, which can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness when changing positions, particularly when standing up quickly. This can increase the risk of falls and injury, especially in elderly patients like this 79-year-old individual. Therefore, the teaching point about taking extra precautions while standing up is crucial for the safety and well-being of the patient.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: ACE inhibitors are known to cause a decrease in blood pressure as part of their mechanism of action. Monitoring the patient's blood pressure regularly while on ACE inhibitors is crucial to identify any significant drops that may lead to hypotension. This proactive monitoring allows healthcare providers to adjust the dosage of the medication or provide necessary interventions to prevent adverse effects such as dizziness, syncope, or compromised tissue perfusion. Monitoring ins and outs with patients using ACE inhibitors primarily focuses on assessing for potential decreased blood pressure as a key safety measure during treatment.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Lithium is commonly used as a mood stabilizer in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It is particularly effective in reducing the frequency and severity of manic episodes. By stabilizing mood and decreasing manic symptoms, lithium helps to prevent the occurrence of acute manic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder. It does not specifically target blood pressure, seizure activity, or urinary output.