ATI RN
Cardiovascular System Drugs Classification Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient is being treated with phenelzine (Nardil) for depression. Which indicator(s) would be useful to monitor the outcome Patient will understand the potential side effects of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants? (Select the one that does not apply.)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is D because monitoring sodium intake is not a specific indicator related to the side effects of MAOIs like phenelzine. Monitoring dietary restrictions such as avoiding sausages, chocolate, and Chinese food, as well as wearing elastic hose and supportive shoes to prevent postural hypotension are essential in managing potential side effects of MAOIs. These monitoring parameters are directly related to the mechanism of action and potential side effects of MAOIs, unlike maintaining a stable sodium intake which is not a specific concern with these medications.
Question 2 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 3 of 5
A patient states, “I’m going to have a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. What are the doctors going to learn from it?” The best reply would be:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "They will learn about the activity in various portions of your brain." A PET scan measures metabolic activity in the brain by detecting the distribution of a radioactive tracer. This helps doctors assess brain function, diagnose conditions like Alzheimer's or epilepsy, and monitor treatment response. Choice A is incorrect as PET scans can also detect brain activity, not just tumors and scars. Choice C is incorrect as outlining brain structures is typically done with other imaging techniques like MRI. Choice D is incorrect as PET scans have significant clinical utility in various medical specialties.
Question 4 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 5 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.