A priority nursing assessment for a patient who is to receive an alpha- or beta-adrenergic blocking agent would be what?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The most serious adverse effect would be severe bradycardia, so the nurse’s priority would be assessing the heart rate. If the patient were identified as having diabetes, then monitoring blood glucose levels would become important because these drugs can aggravate diabetes by blocking sympathetic response including masking the usual signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Respiratory rate could be impacted if the patient was identified as having a condition causing bronchospasm and diabetes because the combination could worsen both conditions. Measuring urine output should be part of the patient’s care, but it is not the priority assessment.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Valproic acid is metabolized in the liver, and patients with liver disease may have impaired liver function, which can lead to reduced metabolism of the drug and potential toxicity. Therefore, a patient with a history of liver disease starting therapy with valproic acid would be a cause for concern for the nurse. Monitoring of liver function tests would be crucial in this patient population to ensure the medication is being safely metabolized.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Erectile dysfunction drugs, such as Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), and Levitra (vardenafil), are contraindicated with nitroglycerin. Both nitroglycerin and erectile dysfunction drugs can cause a sudden decrease in blood pressure when taken together, leading to a serious drop in blood pressure. This could result in dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and even potentially life-threatening complications like a heart attack or stroke. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid the combination of nitroglycerin with erectile dysfunction medications to prevent these adverse effects.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A 25 percent albumin solution contains 25 grams of albumin per 100 milliliters. To administer 1 gram of albumin, the nurse would calculate the volume as follows: 1 gram ÷ 25 grams/100 milliliters = 4 milliliters. Therefore, the nurse will administer 4 milliliters of the 25 percent albumin solution to deliver the ordered dose of 1 gram. Using the entire vial or not using the product at all would be incorrect.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: H1 receptor antagonists are primarily used for the treatment and prevention of allergic reactions. They work by blocking the H1 receptors, which are responsible for mediating allergic responses such as itching, swelling, and inflammation. This action helps to alleviate symptoms of allergies like sneezing, itching, and runny nose.