The nurse is obtaining a medication history on a patient presenting with chest pain. What drug classification would necessitate the nurse informing the provider before beginning the prescribed nitroglycerin?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator commonly used to treat angina and chest pain by relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the heart. When nitroglycerin is taken with phosphodiesterase inhibitors (such as sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) used for erectile dysfunction, a profound drop in blood pressure can occur. This can lead to serious side effects like hypotension, dizziness, fainting, and even a potential risk of heart attack or stroke. Therefore, the nurse should inform the provider before administering nitroglycerin to a patient taking phosphodiesterase inhibitors to ensure safe medication management and possibly adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Naloxone is the antidote commonly used to reverse the effects of opioid toxicity, including hydrocodone. Naloxone works by competitively binding to opioid receptors in the brain, displacing the opioid molecules, and reversing their effects. It effectively antagonizes the respiratory depression, sedation, and analgesic effects caused by opioids like hydrocodone. Administering naloxone can quickly reverse these dangerous effects and help restore respiratory function in cases of opioid overdose or toxicity. Naloxone is commonly used in emergency settings and can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, or intranasally. It is crucial for healthcare providers to be familiar with naloxone and its administration in managing opioid toxicity.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Omeprazole is classified as an antiulcer agent. It belongs to the class of medications known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which work by reducing the production of stomach acid. Omeprazole is commonly used to treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Its main therapeutic effects include reducing stomach acid secretion and promoting the healing of ulcers.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Propranolol goes through extensive first-pass hepatic metabolism. This means that after oral administration, a significant portion of the drug is metabolized by the liver before it reaches systemic circulation. This process reduces the bioavailability of propranolol. As a result, higher doses are often required for oral administration compared to other routes of administration, such as intravenous. Heparin, insulin, nitroglycerine, and warfarin do not undergo extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Omeprazole belongs to the therapeutic class of antiulcer agents. It is a proton pump inhibitor that works by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Omeprazole is commonly used to treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastric ulcers, and duodenal ulcers. It helps reduce symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, and stomach pain by promoting healing of the stomach lining.