What agents are used primarily to treat cardiac-related conditions? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Drugs that block both alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors are primarily used to treat cardiac-related conditions. Phentolamine, a nonselective alpha-adrenergic blocking agent, is used to treat extravasation of IV norepinephrine or dopamine and hypertension related to a pheochromocytoma. Alpha1-selective adrenergic blocking agents are used for treatment of hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia. The beta-adrenergic blocking agents are used to treat cardiovascular problems (hypertension, angina, migraine headaches) and to prevent reinfarction after myocardial infarction. Beta1-selective adrenergic blocking agents are used for treating hypertension, angina, and some cardiac arrhythmias. The nurse should understand the indications for these agents to ensure safe and effective administration.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Nesiritide is a recombinant form of human B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) that is used for the treatment of acutely decompensated heart failure (HF). It is specifically indicated for patients with acute decompensated HF who have dyspnea at rest. Nesiritide works by promoting vasodilation and natriuresis, which helps alleviate symptoms of acute decompensated HF such as dyspnea and edema. Therefore, the patient with acutely decompensated HF who has dyspnea at rest is the best candidate to receive nesiritide therapy to help improve their symptoms and hemodynamic status.

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: 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.

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: Drugs that block both alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors are primarily used to treat cardiac-related conditions. Phentolamine, a nonselective alpha-adrenergic blocking agent, is used to treat extravasation of IV norepinephrine or dopamine and hypertension related to a pheochromocytoma. Alpha1-selective adrenergic blocking agents are used for treatment of hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia. The beta-adrenergic blocking agents are used to treat cardiovascular problems (hypertension, angina, migraine headaches) and to prevent reinfarction after myocardial infarction. Beta1-selective adrenergic blocking agents are used for treating hypertension, angina, and some cardiac arrhythmias. The nurse should understand the indications for these agents to ensure safe and effective administration.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Pharmacodynamics refers to the study of how drugs exert their effects on the body, including the interactions between a drug and its target molecule or receptor leading to a biological response. Understanding a drug's mechanism of action involves determining how it interacts with specific receptors, enzymes, ion channels, or other molecular targets within the body to produce the desired therapeutic effects. Pharmacokinetics, on the other hand, involves the study of how drugs move through the body, including their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, which although important for determining effective drug dosages and concentrations, does not directly provide insight into how a drug exerts its pharmacological effects. Therapeutic action refers to the overall clinical effect of the drug in treating a specific condition, which is influenced by its pharmacodynamics. Pharmaceutical preparations involve drug formulation and delivery methods, such as tablets, injections, or creams, which affect a drug's bioavailability but do not determine its specific mechanism of action.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Milrinone is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor used to improve cardiac contractility and reduce pulmonary congestion in patients with heart failure. Furosemide is a loop diuretic used to reduce fluid volume in patients with congestive heart failure. Given that both milrinone and furosemide are typically administered intravenously and may have potentially incompatible effects on fluid and electrolyte balance, it is critically important to administer them separately. Mixing these medications in the same intravenous line can lead to potential drug interactions or decrease the effectiveness of either drug.