Perhexillene meleate is a

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Perhexillene meleate is classified as a vasodilator drug. The rationale behind this is that vasodilator drugs work by dilating blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the heart and other parts of the body. Perhexillene meleate specifically acts by inhibiting phosphodiesterase enzyme, leading to vasodilation. Option B, cardiotonic drugs, are medications that help improve the efficiency and strength of the heart muscle. These drugs are used to treat conditions like heart failure, whereas perhexillene meleate does not primarily function in this manner. Option C, antihyperlipidemic drugs, are used to lower high levels of fats in the blood. Perhexillene meleate does not have a direct impact on lipid levels, making this option incorrect. Option D, urinary antiseptic, refers to drugs that are used to treat infections in the urinary tract. This is unrelated to the mechanism of action of perhexillene meleate, therefore, it is not the correct classification for this drug. In an educational context, understanding the classification of cardiovascular treatment drugs is crucial for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions when prescribing medications. Knowing the specific actions and uses of each drug class helps in providing appropriate treatment for patients with cardiovascular conditions. By mastering these concepts, healthcare providers can optimize patient care and outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of cardiovascular treatment drugs, it is essential for nurses to educate clients about potential adverse reactions. In this case, the correct answer is D) Facial flushing. Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is commonly used to help lower cholesterol levels. One of the most common side effects of niacin is facial flushing, which is characterized by redness, warmth, and itching of the skin. This reaction occurs due to niacin's mechanism of action, causing vasodilation of blood vessels. Option A) Dizziness is not a common adverse reaction to niacin. It is more commonly associated with other medications or underlying health conditions. Option B) Urinary retention is not typically linked to niacin use. It is more commonly seen with medications that affect the bladder or prostate. Option C) Constipation is not a common side effect of niacin. Gastrointestinal disturbances like nausea or diarrhea may occur but not constipation. Educationally, understanding the adverse effects of medications is crucial for nurses to provide comprehensive care. By knowing the common reactions, nurses can effectively educate clients on what to expect and how to manage them. This knowledge helps promote medication adherence and early recognition of potentially serious side effects, ensuring client safety and well-being.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct antihypertensive given to the 35-year-old man is Nitroprusside. Nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator that acts rapidly to lower blood pressure in hypertensive emergencies. It is often used in situations where blood pressure needs to be lowered quickly to prevent organ damage. Labetalol, Losartan, and Nifedipine are commonly used antihypertensive medications as well, but they would not typically be the first choice in a hypertensive emergency with severe hypertension like in this case. Labetalol is a beta-blocker with both alpha and beta receptor blocking properties, Losartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker, and Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker. While these medications are effective in treating hypertension, they are not as rapid in their onset of action as Nitroprusside. From an educational perspective, it's important for healthcare providers to understand the appropriate use of different antihypertensive medications based on the clinical scenario. In emergencies like hypertensive crises, the choice of medication can have significant implications for patient outcomes. Understanding the mechanisms of action, onset of action, and side effect profiles of different antihypertensive drugs is crucial for making informed clinical decisions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The most likely drug the patient is taking for hypertension in this scenario is Atenolol (option B). Atenolol is a beta-blocker commonly used to treat high blood pressure. In this case, the patient's tiredness and decreased exercise tolerance are consistent with the side effects of beta-blockers, which can cause fatigue and reduced exercise capacity by lowering heart rate and reducing cardiac output. Albuterol (option A) is a bronchodilator used to treat asthma and COPD, not hypertension. Ephedrine (option C) is a sympathomimetic amine with stimulant effects, not typically used as a first-line treatment for hypertension. Phentolamine (option D) is an alpha-blocker primarily used for the management of hypertensive emergencies and not commonly used as a first-line agent for chronic hypertension. In an educational context, understanding the mechanisms of action and side effects of different classes of antihypertensive drugs is crucial for healthcare professionals to make appropriate treatment decisions based on individual patient characteristics and comorbidities. Beta-blockers like Atenolol are effective in managing hypertension but may cause fatigue and decreased exercise tolerance, which should be considered when selecting the most suitable medication for a patient.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Up to 24 hours. Myocardial infarction, or heart attack, occurs due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to tissue damage. Heparin, an anticoagulant, helps prevent further clot formation and can be administered within a window of up to 24 hours after the onset of symptoms to salvage myocardium. Option A) 2 to 6 hours is too narrow of a window for heparin administration as delays in seeking treatment are common, and immediate intervention may not always be possible. Option B) 6 to 10 hours is also limited and may exclude patients who reach healthcare facilities beyond this timeframe, missing out on potential salvage of myocardial tissue. Option C) 10 to 14 hours further restricts the therapeutic window, potentially denying treatment to patients who may benefit from heparin administration beyond this time frame. Educationally, understanding the therapeutic window for cardiovascular treatment drugs like heparin is crucial for healthcare professionals managing patients with myocardial infarction. It highlights the importance of prompt recognition and intervention in such critical situations to maximize patient outcomes and reduce complications.