This drug is associated with Torsades de pointes:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Sotalol. Sotalol is a non-selective beta-blocker that also possesses Class III antiarrhythmic properties. It prolongs the QT interval, which can predispose patients to developing Torsades de pointes, a potentially life-threatening polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Option A) Flecainide is a Class IC antiarrhythmic drug that does not significantly prolong the QT interval and is not typically associated with Torsades de pointes. Option C) Lidocaine is a Class IB antiarrhythmic drug that also does not prolong the QT interval and is not linked to Torsades de pointes. Option D) Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that does not have significant effects on the QT interval and is not commonly associated with Torsades de pointes. In an educational context, understanding the association between certain drugs and Torsades de pointes is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially those working in cardiology or critical care settings. Knowing which medications can potentially lead to this dangerous arrhythmia enables healthcare providers to monitor patients appropriately, recognize early signs of QT prolongation, and take necessary precautions to prevent adverse outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Dichlothiazide. In the treatment of hypertension, diuretic agents are commonly used to reduce blood volume and lower blood pressure. Dichlothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that works by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney, leading to increased urinary excretion of sodium and water. This reduction in blood volume helps to decrease blood pressure. Now, let's analyze why the other options are incorrect: A) Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), not a diuretic. It works by blocking the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation and decreased blood pressure. C) Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, not a diuretic. It works by inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, resulting in vasodilation and decreased blood pressure. D) Prazosin is an alpha-adrenergic blocker, not a diuretic. It works by blocking alpha-1 receptors, leading to vasodilation and decreased blood pressure. In an educational context, understanding the pharmacological mechanisms of different antihypertensive agents is crucial for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions when treating patients with hypertension. Knowing the specific actions of diuretics, ARBs, ACE inhibitors, and alpha-blockers allows for individualized and effective treatment plans based on the patient's condition and needs. This knowledge also helps in preventing medication errors and adverse drug reactions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the treatment of hypertension, the administration of beta-blockers is aimed at decreasing the work of the heart. The correct answer is C) Decreasing of heart work. Beta-blockers work by blocking the beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart, which results in a decrease in heart rate and contractility. By reducing the workload of the heart, beta-blockers help to lower blood pressure. Option A) Peripheral vasodilatation is incorrect because beta-blockers do not primarily cause vasodilation. Option B) Diminishing of blood volume is incorrect because beta-blockers do not directly affect blood volume. Option D) Depression of vasomotor center is incorrect because beta-blockers primarily work by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart, rather than acting on the vasomotor center in the brain. In an educational context, understanding the mechanism of action of medications like beta-blockers is crucial for nursing students and healthcare professionals to provide safe and effective patient care. By grasping how beta-blockers work to reduce blood pressure, healthcare providers can make informed decisions about drug therapy and monitor patients for desired effects and potential adverse reactions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Sustac because it is a long-acting nitrate drug. Sustac is a sustained-release formulation of isosorbide dinitrate, providing a prolonged effect over time compared to immediate-release formulations. This sustained action helps in the management of angina by maintaining consistent vasodilation and reducing the frequency of angina attacks. Option A, Nitroglycerin, sublingual, is a short-acting nitrate used for immediate relief of angina symptoms. It acts quickly but has a short duration of action, making it unsuitable for long-term management. Option B, Isosorbide dinitrate, sublingual, refers to the immediate-release formulation, which is also short-acting like nitroglycerin. It is used for acute relief of angina symptoms and not for long-acting effects. Option C, Amyl nitrite, inhalant, is a different type of nitrite drug used for the treatment of cyanide poisoning and as an antidote for cyanide toxicity. It is not typically used for angina management or as a long-acting nitrate. In an educational context, understanding the duration of action of nitrate drugs is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers to appropriately manage patients with angina. Long-acting nitrates provide sustained relief and can be used for prophylaxis, while short-acting nitrates are reserved for immediate symptom relief during angina attacks. This knowledge helps ensure safe and effective pharmacological interventions for patients with cardiovascular conditions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology across the lifespan, understanding the effects of beta-adrenoceptor-blocking drugs is crucial due to their widespread use in various age groups for different conditions. The correct answer, option C, is true because beta-adrenoceptor blockers primarily exert their beneficial effects through their hemodynamic actions. By decreasing heart rate, blood pressure, and contractility, these drugs reduce myocardial oxygen demand both at rest and during exercise, making them valuable in managing conditions like hypertension, angina, and heart failure. Option A is incorrect because beta-blockers do not decrease transmembrane calcium current to induce smooth muscle relaxation. Instead, they primarily act by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors. Option B is incorrect as beta-blockers do not cause reflex and vascular dilative actions via nerve stimulation; their actions are more direct and receptor-mediated. Option D is also incorrect as beta-blockers do not increase the permeability of potassium channels; their main mechanism of action is through beta-adrenergic receptor blockade. In an educational context, understanding the mechanisms of action of beta-blockers helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions when prescribing these drugs to patients of different ages. Knowing how these drugs affect the cardiovascular system is essential for optimizing patient outcomes and preventing adverse effects.