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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: “You should expect to take these drugs for as long as 24 months.” This is the correct response because drug therapy for tuberculosis typically lasts for 6 to 9 months for drug-sensitive TB and up to 24 months for drug-resistant TB. It is important to complete the full course of treatment to ensure complete eradication of the bacteria and prevent relapse. Choice A is incorrect because relying solely on symptoms to determine the duration of treatment may lead to premature discontinuation of therapy. Choice B is incorrect as drug therapy is not based on waiting for resistance to develop. Choice D is incorrect because drug therapy for tuberculosis is not lifelong in most cases, except for certain scenarios of drug-resistant TB.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: 1. Liver disorders can lead to a decline in microsomal enzyme activity. 2. Microsomal enzymes play a role in drug metabolism. 3. Reduced enzyme activity can lead to decreased drug metabolism. 4. Decreased drug metabolism can result in an enlarged duration of action. 5. Therefore, in liver disorders, the duration of action of drugs is likely to be enlarged. Summary: A: Incorrect - Decreased duration of action is less likely due to reduced metabolism. C: Incorrect - Activity of microsomal enzymes affects drug metabolism. D: Incorrect - Changes in drug action may be significant due to altered metabolism.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Procaine. Procaine has a shorter duration of action compared to the other choices. This is because procaine is an ester-type local anesthetic, which undergoes rapid hydrolysis by plasma cholinesterase, resulting in a shorter duration of action. In contrast, lidocaine, bupivacaine, and ropivacaine are amide-type local anesthetics, which are metabolized more slowly, leading to longer durations of action. Therefore, procaine is the local anesthetic with the shortest duration among the options provided.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Acetylcholine is not used in clinical practice because it is very rapidly hydrolyzed by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. Upon administration, it quickly breaks down before exerting its desired effects. This rapid hydrolysis limits its therapeutic efficacy, making it unsuitable for clinical use. Other choices (A, B, D) are incorrect as acetylcholine's lack of use is primarily due to its rapid degradation, not its toxicity, high doses requirement, or costliness.