Cilostazol is being prescribed for a patient with coronary artery disease. The nurse understands that which of the following is the major purpose for antiplatelet drug therapy?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The major purpose of antiplatelet drug therapy like cilostazol in coronary artery disease is to prevent acute myocardial infarction by inhibiting platelet aggregation and reducing the risk of blood clots in the coronary arteries. Acute myocardial infarction is a common complication of coronary artery disease, and antiplatelet drugs help prevent this by maintaining coronary artery patency. Deep vein thrombosis, hemorrhagic stroke, and disseminated intravascular coagulation are not the primary targets of antiplatelet therapy in coronary artery disease.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Computed tomography (CT). CT scans use X-ray technology to create detailed images of brain structures. This technique is ideal for measuring brain structure due to its ability to provide clear and precise images of the brain's anatomy. Explanation: - CT scans are commonly used to assess brain structures such as the size, shape, and density of tissues. - The high-resolution images produced by CT scans allow healthcare professionals to identify abnormalities, tumors, hemorrhages, and other structural issues in the brain. - Unlike functional brain imaging techniques like PET, SPECT, and BEAM, which focus on brain activity, CT is specifically designed for visualizing brain structure. Summary of other choices: B: PET measures brain activity by detecting radioactive tracers. C: BEAM records brain electrical activity using electrodes. D: SPECT images brain blood flow and activity using radioactive tracers.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are commonly used as adjuvant medication for tendonitis due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain and swelling in the affected area. They work by suppressing the inflammatory response in the tendon, thereby alleviating pain. Antidepressants (A) and anticonvulsants (B) are not typically used for tendonitis pain. Local anesthesia (D) provides temporary pain relief but does not address the underlying inflammation associated with tendonitis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Cardiac output is the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute, influencing blood pressure. 2. Systemic vascular resistance refers to the resistance to blood flow in the blood vessels, affecting blood pressure regulation. 3. Both parameters work together to regulate arterial blood pressure by determining the amount of blood pumped by the heart and the resistance to blood flow in the vessels. Summary: - Choice A is correct as both cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance play key roles in regulating arterial blood pressure. - Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly impact blood pressure regulation through the parameters mentioned.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: To dissolve the clot in the coronary artery. Thrombolytic drugs are used to break down blood clots in the coronary arteries, restoring blood flow to the heart muscle during an acute myocardial infarction. This helps to prevent further damage to the heart tissue and reduce the risk of complications. Choice A is incorrect because the primary goal of thrombolytic therapy is not to relieve chest pain but to restore blood flow. Choice B is incorrect as thrombolytic drugs do not prevent further clot formation but rather address existing clots. Choice D is incorrect because thrombolytic drugs are not used to control bleeding but to dissolve clots.