Which drug is used to reverse the e昀昀ects of an opioid overdose?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Naloxone is the drug used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist that rapidly binds to opioid receptors in the brain, displacing the opioid molecules. By blocking the receptor sites, naloxone can quickly reverse the effects of opioids, such as respiratory depression, sedation, and potential coma. Naloxone is a critical medication in opioid overdose situations as it can restore normal breathing and save a person's life. It is often available in the form of a nasal spray or injection for emergency use. It is essential for first responders, healthcare professionals, and individuals at risk of opioid overdose to have access to naloxone as part of overdose prevention and harm reduction strategies.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In a hypertensive emergency where a patient's blood pressure is extremely elevated (such as 270/150 mm Hg in this case), one of the medications commonly used is a titratable intravenous antihypertensive medication like nicardipine. The maximum dose of nicardipine that should be infused is typically guided by the patient's response to treatment and not a fixed duration of time. Therefore, the correct answer is B, as it highlights the importance of titrating the medication based on the patient's blood pressure response, rather than a specific time frame for infusion. Utilizing the drug at the lowest effective dose is crucial to avoid potential adverse effects, especially in a hypertensive emergency scenario.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The most concerning adverse effect for an older adult patient taking a vasodilator for hypertension is hypotension, which is abnormally low blood pressure. Older adults may be more sensitive to the blood pressure-lowering effects of vasodilators due to age-related changes in the cardiovascular system. Hypotension can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, falls, and even fainting, increasing the risk of injury in older adults. Monitoring blood pressure regularly and adjusting the dosage appropriately are crucial in managing this potential adverse effect in older patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Alpha1-selective adrenergic blocking agents block smooth muscle receptors in the prostate, prostatic capsule, prostatic urethra, and urinary bladder neck, which leads to a relaxation of the bladder and prostate and improved flow of urine in male patients. Although they also block the postsynaptic alpha1-receptor sites, causing a decrease in vascular tone and vasodilation that leads to a fall in blood pressure without the reflex tachycardia that occurs when the presynaptic alpha2-receptor sites are blocked, this is not the purpose for administering the drug to a patient with BPH. They do not reduce the size of the prostate.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Phenolic germicidal agents are commonly used as disinfectants due to their ability to kill microorganisms. Hexachlorophene is one type of phenolic germicidal agent that has been used as a surgical scrub in the past. It has antiseptic properties and can effectively reduce the number of bacteria on the skin, making it suitable for use in sterile environments such as surgical procedures. While phenolic germicidal agents do possess antibacterial properties, they do not typically have topical anesthetic effects like some other types of disinfectants. Additionally, while phenolic agents are used in various dental procedures, they are not specifically used in root canal therapy. The examples provided in the last statement, formocresol, cresantin, and eugenol, are not phenolic germicidal agents but rather dental materials used for different purposes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Naloxone is the drug used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist that rapidly binds to opioid receptors in the brain, displacing the opioid molecules. By blocking the receptor sites, naloxone can quickly reverse the effects of opioids, such as respiratory depression, sedation, and potential coma. Naloxone is a critical medication in opioid overdose situations as it can restore normal breathing and save a person's life. It is often available in the form of a nasal spray or injection for emergency use. It is essential for first responders, healthcare professionals, and individuals at risk of opioid overdose to have access to naloxone as part of overdose prevention and harm reduction strategies.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Digoxin slows heart rate via vagal stimulation, treating heart failure but risking bradycardia if the rate drops too low. A heart rate of 58 bpm is below the typical threshold (60 bpm) for holding digoxin, indicating potential toxicity or excessive effect, especially in heart failure where compensatory tachycardia may mask issues. Holding the dose and notifying the physician allows reassessment of digoxin levels or need for adjustment, prioritizing safety. Administering as ordered risks worsening bradycardia, potentially leading to hemodynamic instability. Half-dosing lacks protocol support and delays medical input. Blood pressure informs but doesn't address the primary concern. Holding and notifying aligns with nursing judgment and digoxin's narrow therapeutic index, making B the best action to prevent adverse outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rifampicin is a potent inducer of CYP450 enzymes, increasing the metabolism of drugs processed via these pathways.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Angioedema is a potentially serious side effect of ACE inhibitors. It involves swelling of the deeper layers of the skin and submucosal tissues and can affect areas such as the face, lips, tongue, throat, and extremities. One of the key signs of angioedema is difficulty breathing, or dyspnea. Other signs may include swelling, itching, and hives. It is crucial for nurses to monitor patients taking ACE inhibitors for any signs of angioedema as it can rapidly progress and lead to airway compromise and respiratory distress. Prompt recognition and intervention are essential to prevent any serious complications.