ATI RN
Drugs for Cardiovascular Disease Questions
Question 1 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 2 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.
Question 3 of 5
A patient is to receive acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) as part of the treatment for an acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose. Which action by the nurse is appropriate when giving this medication?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: C is the correct answer because acetylcysteine has a strong, unpleasant taste. Disguising it with soda or flavored water helps improve palatability, increasing the likelihood of the patient taking it. This action enhances adherence to the treatment plan, ensuring the patient receives the full therapeutic benefit. A: Giving the medication undiluted is incorrect as it can lead to nausea and vomiting due to the strong taste. B: Avoiding the use of a straw is incorrect as it doesn't address the issue of the unpleasant taste. D: Acetylcysteine for acetaminophen overdose is typically given orally, not via a nebulizer.
Question 4 of 5
When admitting a patient with a suspected diagnosis of chronic alcohol use, the nurse will keep in mind that chronic use of alcohol might result in which condition?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Korsakoff’s psychosis. Chronic alcohol use can lead to a thiamine deficiency, resulting in Korsakoff’s psychosis characterized by severe memory loss and confabulation. Renal failure (A) is not directly linked to chronic alcohol use. Cerebrovascular accident (B) is more commonly associated with high blood pressure or atherosclerosis. Alzheimer’s disease (D) is a neurodegenerative disorder not directly caused by chronic alcohol use. In summary, Korsakoff’s psychosis is the most likely condition to result from chronic alcohol use due to thiamine deficiency.
Question 5 of 5
A patient has been prescribed warfarin (Coumadin) in addition to a heparin infusion. The patient asks the nurse why he has to be on two medications. The nurse’s response is based on which rationale?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because heparin is a fast-acting anticoagulant that is used initially to rapidly thin the blood while warfarin takes time to reach therapeutic levels. By using both medications together, the patient is protected against blood clots during this transition period. Choices A and B are incorrect because there is no evidence that the oral and injection forms work synergistically or result in fewer adverse effects when used together. Choice C is incorrect because heparin alone can achieve adequate anticoagulation levels, but the combination is more about the timing of onset of action for each medication.