The nurse is preparing for a community education program on hypertension. Which of these parameters determine the regulation of arterial blood pressure?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Arterial blood pressure is regulated by two main factors: cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance. Cardiac output refers to the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute, while systemic vascular resistance refers to the resistance to blood flow in the systemic circulation. The combination of these two parameters determines the pressure within the arteries. If cardiac output or systemic vascular resistance increases, blood pressure will increase, and vice versa. Therefore, when discussing the regulation of arterial blood pressure, focusing on cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance is crucial for understanding how the body maintains blood pressure within a normal range. The other choices, such as heart rate and peripheral resistance, blood volume and renal blood flow, as well as myocardial contractility and arteriolar constriction, are important factors in cardiovascular physiology but are not the primary determinants of arterial blood pressure regulation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Meperidine hydrochloride (Demerol) is an opioid analgesic commonly used for post-operative pain management. The common side effects of meperidine include tremors, sweating, and dizziness. Diarrhea is not a common side effect associated with meperidine use. Opioid analgesics like meperidine more commonly cause constipation rather than diarrhea. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer as the side effect of diarrhea is not typically seen with meperidine administration.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Tunneling the catheter 2-4 inches under the skin creates a pathway that helps reduce the risk of infection. By placing the catheter deeper under the skin, there is less chance of bacteria entering the catheter exit site, which can lead to infections such as catheter-related bloodstream infections. Tunneling also promotes tissue ingrowth around the catheter, further helping to secure the catheter in place and reduce the risk of infection.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the case of a Heparin overdose, the antidote of choice is Protamine sulfate. Heparin is a commonly used anticoagulant medication, and if an overdose occurs leading to excessive bleeding, Protamine sulfate can be administered to reverse the effects of Heparin by neutralizing its anticoagulant activity. It forms a complex with Heparin, rendering it inactive and helping to slow down or stop the bleeding. Naloxone is used as an antidote for opioid overdose, Ibutilide is used for arrhythmias, and Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant commonly used to treat ADHD. But these antidotes are not appropriate for reversing the effects of a Heparin overdose.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Gout stems from uric acid buildup-hyperuricemia-crystallizing in joints, per pathophysiology-not increased excretion, cartilage loss (OA), or low levels. Buildup drives pain, per disease.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary targets Sertoli cells in the testes to drive spermatogenesis, regulating sperm production and supporting male fertility. Androgen production, mainly testosterone, falls under luteinizing hormone (LH), not FSH, though both hormones interplay in reproduction. Testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells is LH-driven, not FSH, which focuses on sperm maturation. Progesterone, minimal in males, isn't FSH-regulated, being more female-centric. FSH's role in spermatogenesis is specific, distinguishing it from hormonal regulation and highlighting its importance in reproductive physiology, ensuring students understand its targeted action over broader endocrine effects.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Aspirin causes gastrointestinal upset because it inhibits both cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes. These enzymes are responsible for the production of prostaglandins, which are important in protecting the stomach lining. Inhibition of COX-1 reduces the production of protective prostaglandins that help maintain the integrity of the stomach lining, leading to irritation and potential damage, which can manifest as gastrointestinal upset. This is why patients taking aspirin may experience gastrointestinal side effects such as stomach pain, ulcers, or bleeding.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's best response would be, It takes 6 to 8 weeks to see a change in cholesterol levels. Statin drugs typically start to show an effect on lowering cholesterol levels within 6 to 8 weeks of starting therapy. It may take some time for the medication to reach its maximum effectiveness, but a noticeable change can usually be seen within this time frame. Monitoring cholesterol levels through blood tests is important to assess the effectiveness of the medication and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Prazosin, an alpha-1 blocker, acts peripherally, not on the vasomotor center. Methyldopa, a centrally acting α2 agonist, reduces sympathetic outflow from the vasomotor center, a true statement lowering blood pressure. Hydralazine dilates arteries directly, not centrally. Reserpine depletes catecholamines peripherally and centrally but isn't primarily vasomotor-focused. Losartan (likely misspelled) is an ARB, peripheral. Methyldopa's central action is key in pregnancy hypertension, offering a unique mechanism among antihypertensives.