A patient who has been taking antihypertensive drugs for a few months complains of having a persistent dry cough. The nurse knows that this cough is an adverse effect of which class of antihypertensive drugs?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The persistent dry cough mentioned by the patient is a well-known adverse effect of ACE inhibitors. This side effect is due to the accumulation of bradykinin in the lungs, leading to irritation and stimulation of cough receptors. If a patient taking an ACE inhibitor develops a persistent dry cough, it is essential to notify the healthcare provider to consider alternative antihypertensive medications to manage the hypertension effectively without causing this bothersome side effect.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In understanding the regulation of arterial blood pressure, it is crucial for nurses to grasp the interplay between cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance, making option A the correct choice. Cardiac output, the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute, and systemic vascular resistance, the force opposing the flow of blood in the systemic circulation, directly impact arterial blood pressure. When cardiac output increases or vascular resistance decreases, blood pressure rises, and vice versa. Option B, heart rate and peripheral resistance, is incorrect because heart rate alone does not account for the volume of blood pumped per heartbeat, which is crucial in determining blood pressure. Peripheral resistance, while important, is only one component of the overall vascular resistance affecting blood pressure. Option C, blood volume and renal blood flow, is incorrect because although blood volume and renal blood flow influence blood pressure regulation, they are not the primary parameters determining arterial blood pressure. Option D, myocardial contractility, and arteriolar constriction, is incorrect because while these factors can influence blood pressure, they do not directly determine the overall regulation of arterial blood pressure like cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance do. Educationally, understanding these physiological principles is essential for nurses when educating the community on hypertension as it enables them to explain how lifestyle modifications and medications can impact these parameters to manage blood pressure effectively.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are a class of medications used to treat edema by decreasing the production of aqueous humor in the eye and reducing fluid in the body. One common side effect of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors is metabolic acidosis, which can lead to increased blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. The medication may interfere with the body's ability to regulate blood glucose levels, leading to elevated blood glucose. Therefore, when monitoring a patient with diabetes who is receiving a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, the nurse should closely monitor for signs of elevated blood glucose levels to prevent potential complications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Before administering Digoxin, the nurse should count the apical pulse for 1 minute. Digoxin is a cardiac medication that primarily works by increasing the force of contractions of the heart muscle. It is important to assess the patient's heart rate to ensure it is within the recommended range before administering Digoxin. This is because Digoxin can cause serious complications such as heart arrhythmias if given when the heart rate is too low. Counting the apical pulse for a full minute provides a more accurate assessment of the heart rate compared to shorter durations.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The statement "I'll have my physician lower my dosage once I start to feel okay" indicates an understanding of the treatment regimen because it shows that the client recognizes the need to continue the medication as prescribed and not discontinue it abruptly. It highlights that the client intends to follow up with their physician for appropriate adjustments to the dosage as needed. This demonstrates a responsible approach to managing their alcohol withdrawal with diazepam (Valium).