The client is taking niacin for cholesterol reduction. What common adverse reaction should the nurse warn the client about?

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: 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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the treatment of acute pulmonary edema, it is crucial to understand the appropriate interventions to provide effective care to the patient. The correct answer, option A, Sublingual nifedipine, is inappropriate in this scenario. Nifedipine can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure, which can worsen the condition in acute pulmonary edema. In contrast, options B, C, and D are appropriate interventions for acute pulmonary edema: B) Intravenous morphine: Morphine helps to reduce anxiety, preload, and afterload, and improve oxygenation by reducing respiratory distress. C) Oxygen: Supplemental oxygen is essential to improve oxygenation and reduce the workload on the heart. D) Intravenous loop diuretic: Loop diuretics like furosemide help to reduce fluid overload and manage pulmonary congestion in acute pulmonary edema. Educational context: Understanding the appropriate pharmacological interventions in acute pulmonary edema is vital for healthcare professionals to provide safe and effective care to patients in respiratory distress. It is essential to prioritize interventions that improve oxygenation, reduce fluid overload, and support cardiac function to manage this critical condition effectively.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: **Rationale:** **Correct Answer: D) Angina pectoris** **Explanation:** Lidocaine is a class Ib antiarrhythmic medication primarily used to treat ventricular arrhythmias, making option A correct. It is not indicated for the treatment of angina pectoris, as mentioned in option D. Lidocaine works by stabilizing the neuronal membrane by inhibiting the ionic fluxes necessary for the initiation and conduction of impulses, particularly in ventricular tissue. **Why Others Are Wrong:** - Option A: Ventricular arrhythmias - This is a correct indication for lidocaine use, as it helps in managing ventricular arrhythmias. - Option B: Digitalis-induced arrhythmia - Lidocaine is also used for this condition, making this option incorrect. - Option C: Local anesthesia - Lidocaine is commonly used for local anesthesia due to its properties as an amide local anesthetic, but in the context of this question, it is not the condition being asked about. **Educational Context:** Understanding the appropriate use of medications in cardiovascular treatment is crucial for healthcare professionals. Lidocaine's mechanism of action and specific indications must be well-understood to ensure safe and effective treatment of patients with arrhythmias. By grasping the correct applications of drugs like lidocaine, healthcare providers can optimize patient care and outcomes in cardiovascular settings.