ATI RN
Cardiovascular Drug Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is administering a beta blocker to a patient. Which is the most important assessment to perform before administration?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Apical pulse. Before administering a beta blocker, it is crucial to assess the patient's apical pulse to monitor for potential bradycardia, a common side effect of beta blockers. This assessment helps determine if the patient's heart rate is within the safe range for administering the medication. Monitoring urine output (A) is important for assessing renal function but not specifically related to beta blocker administration. Potassium level (C) and serum level of medication (D) are also important assessments, but the most critical assessment before giving a beta blocker is to evaluate the patient's heart rate to prevent adverse effects.
Question 2 of 5
Which neurotransmitter is located only in the brain, particularly in the raphe nuclei of the brainstem, and is implicated in depression?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Serotonin. Serotonin is located predominantly in the brain, specifically in the raphe nuclei of the brainstem. It is known to play a crucial role in regulating mood and emotions. Serotonin imbalance is strongly linked to depression. Norepinephrine, dopamine, and acetylcholine are neurotransmitters found both in the brain and peripheral nervous system. While they also play roles in mood regulation, they are not exclusively located in the brainstem or specifically implicated in depression like serotonin.
Question 3 of 5
The drug nalbuphine (Nubain) is an agonist-antagonist (partial agonist). The nurse understands that which is a characteristic of partial agonists?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because partial agonists like nalbuphine have a lower dependency potential than full agonists. This is because partial agonists have a ceiling effect, meaning they reach a maximum level of activity regardless of the dose. This makes them less likely to cause dependence or tolerance compared to full agonists like morphine. Choices A and C are incorrect because partial agonists do not typically have antiinflammatory effects or higher potency than agonists. Choice B is incorrect because partial agonists are not given to reverse the effects of opiates; rather, they may be used for pain management in certain situations.
Question 4 of 5
A patient has a new order for the adrenergic drug doxazosin (Cardura). When providing education about this drug, the nurse will include which instructions?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because doxazosin is an alpha-1 blocker that can cause first-dose hypotension, leading to dizziness or fainting. Instructing the patient to lie down after the first dose can help prevent these adverse effects. A is incorrect because weight loss is not a common side effect of doxazosin. B is incorrect because there is no specific need to increase potassium intake with this medication. C is incorrect because impaired taste is not a common side effect of doxazosin, and if it does occur, it typically does not last for 2 to 3 weeks.
Question 5 of 5
A patient who has been anticoagulated with warfarin (Coumadin) has been admitted for gastrointestinal bleeding. The history and physical examination indicates that the patient may have taken too much warfarin. The nurse anticipates that the patient will receive which antidote?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: vitamin K. Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin overdose as it helps in replenishing the depleted clotting factors inhibited by warfarin. Warfarin inhibits the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver, leading to increased bleeding risk. Vitamin K administration helps reverse the anticoagulant effects by promoting the production of these clotting factors. A: Vitamin E is not the antidote for warfarin overdose. Vitamin E does not have any direct role in reversing the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. C: Protamine sulfate is the antidote for heparin, not warfarin. It works by neutralizing heparin's anticoagulant effects. D: Potassium chloride is not the antidote for warfarin overdose. It is used to correct potassium imbalances in the body and has no role in reversing anticoagulant effects of warfarin.