The nurse administering the phosphodiesterase inhibitor milrinone (Primacor) recognizes that this drug will have a positive inotropic effect. Which result reflects this effect?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Milrinone (Primacor) is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that acts by increasing the levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in cardiac muscle cells. This leads to an increased force of cardiac contractions, which is known as a positive inotropic effect. This effect results in the heart muscle contracting more forcefully, leading to an increased cardiac output. The other options (A. Increased heart rate, B. Increased blood vessel dilation, D. Increased conduction of electrical impulses across the heart) do not directly relate to the inotropic effect of milrinone.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The official name of a drug used in the United States Pharmacopeia-National Formulary (USP-NF) is the generic name. The generic name is the non-proprietary name of a drug, which is based on its chemical structure. It is important to distinguish the generic name from other types of names like the brand name (specific name given by the manufacturer) or proprietary name (registered trademark name owned by a pharmaceutical company). In the USP-NF, the generic name is used to refer to the drug in a standardized and universally recognized manner. This helps ensure clarity and consistency in the identification and communication of drug information.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The specificity theory of pain proposes that there is a specific pain system in the body that is responsible for detecting and transmitting pain signals. According to this theory, specific pain receptors exist that are sensitive only to pain stimuli and are separate from other sensory receptors for touch, temperature, or pressure. When tissue damage or injury occurs, these pain receptors are activated, and they send signals through specific pain pathways to the brain, resulting in the sensation of pain. The specificity theory suggests that pain is a distinct sensory modality with its own dedicated system, separate from other sensory modalities.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The response, "This drug is the first medication your health care provider will use to treat your angina," is accurate because Ranexa (ranolazine) is commonly used as a first-line treatment for chronic angina. It is typically prescribed when other angina medications, such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, are not sufficient or well-tolerated by the patient. Ranexa works by helping the heart muscle to relax, which can improve blood flow to the heart and reduce angina symptoms. It is important for the patient to understand that Ranexa is specifically intended to treat angina and should not be used for other conditions without consulting their healthcare provider.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: ACE inhibitors are known to cause a decrease in blood pressure as part of their mechanism of action. Monitoring the patient's blood pressure regularly while on ACE inhibitors is crucial to identify any significant drops that may lead to hypotension. This proactive monitoring allows healthcare providers to adjust the dosage of the medication or provide necessary interventions to prevent adverse effects such as dizziness, syncope, or compromised tissue perfusion. Monitoring ins and outs with patients using ACE inhibitors primarily focuses on assessing for potential decreased blood pressure as a key safety measure during treatment.