Which of the following drugs was most likely administered?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice C (Adenosine) is correct: 1. Adenosine is used for supraventricular tachycardia due to its ability to slow conduction through the AV node. 2. Mexiletine and Lidocaine are sodium channel blockers used for ventricular arrhythmias, not supraventricular tachycardia. 3. Amiodarone is a broad-spectrum antiarrhythmic used for various types of arrhythmias, not specific to supraventricular tachycardia. Summary: Adenosine is the correct answer because of its specific mechanism of action in treating supraventricular tachycardia. Mexiletine, Lidocaine, and Amiodarone are used for different types of arrhythmias, making them incorrect choices.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is B) Hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate. Hydralazine is a vasodilator that primarily acts on arterioles, reducing afterload by decreasing systemic vascular resistance. Isosorbide dinitrate is a nitrate that primarily acts on veins, reducing preload by decreasing venous return to the heart. When these two drugs are used together, they effectively reduce both preload (amount of blood returning to the heart) and afterload (resistance the heart has to pump against). Now, let's analyze why the other options are incorrect: A) Nitroglycerin and isosorbide dinitrate: While both are nitrates that primarily reduce preload, nitroglycerin acts on veins more than arteries, and therefore, does not significantly reduce afterload like hydralazine does. C) Captopril and methyldopa: Captopril is an ACE inhibitor that reduces afterload, but methyldopa is a centrally acting alpha-2 agonist that primarily reduces blood pressure through a different mechanism and does not directly reduce preload or afterload significantly when used in combination with captopril. D) Prazosin and angiotensin II: Prazosin is an alpha-1 adrenergic blocker that reduces afterload, but angiotensin II is a vasoconstrictor that increases afterload, so the combination would not effectively reduce both preload and afterload. Educational Context: Understanding how different drugs affect preload and afterload is crucial in pharmacology, especially in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases like heart failure and hypertension. By knowing the mechanisms of action of different drug classes, healthcare professionals can make informed decisions about selecting the most appropriate medications for patients based on their clinical presentation and needs.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding the effects of aspirin on cardiovascular health is crucial. In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Is of benefit in patients with unstable angina. Aspirin, in small doses (50 to 150 mg per day), is commonly used in the management of cardiovascular conditions due to its antiplatelet effects. In unstable angina, where there is a risk of clot formation leading to a heart attack, aspirin helps prevent platelet aggregation, reducing the chances of a clot blocking a coronary artery. Option B) Has thrombolytic action is incorrect because aspirin is not a thrombolytic agent. Thrombolytics work by breaking down existing clots, whereas aspirin prevents clot formation. Option C) PREFerentially inhibits prostacyclin synthetase enzyme is incorrect as aspirin actually inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes, particularly COX-1, which is involved in the production of thromboxane A2, a potent platelet aggregator. Option D) MAY Alleviate the need for Verapamil in variant angina is incorrect because Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker used to prevent and treat variant angina by dilating coronary arteries and reducing the workload of the heart, while aspirin primarily works on platelet inhibition rather than vasodilation. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding the specific actions and uses of medications in cardiovascular pharmacology. It emphasizes the role of aspirin as an antiplatelet agent in preventing clot formation, particularly in conditions like unstable angina where there is a high risk of clot-related complications. Understanding the mechanisms of action of drugs is crucial for making informed clinical decisions in managing cardiovascular diseases.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Nicotinic acid and nicotinamide are both forms of vitamin B3, also known as niacin. Option A, "Both possess vitamin B3 activity," is the correct answer. Nicotinic acid and nicotinamide are both precursors of the coenzymes NAD and NADP, essential for various metabolic processes in the body. Option B, "Both cause cutaneous vasodilatation," is incorrect because only nicotinic acid, not nicotinamide, causes cutaneous flushing due to prostaglandin-mediated vasodilation. Option C, "Both lower plasma triglyceride and VLDL levels," is incorrect. Nicotinic acid, but not nicotinamide, is known to lower plasma triglyceride and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels by inhibiting lipolysis in adipose tissue. Option D, "Both cause hyperglycemia after prolonged medication," is incorrect. Nicotinic acid, not nicotinamide, can cause insulin resistance and potentially lead to hyperglycemia with prolonged use. Understanding the differences between nicotinic acid and nicotinamide is crucial in pharmacology, especially when prescribing these medications for cardiovascular conditions. Educating students on the specific actions and side effects of different forms of vitamin B3 can help them make informed decisions when managing patients with dyslipidemia or other related conditions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of a client receiving heparin, the priority nursing intervention among the options provided is to monitor signs of acute blood loss (Option C). Heparin is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting the formation of blood clots. One of the potential adverse effects of heparin is excessive bleeding due to its anticoagulant properties. Therefore, monitoring for signs of acute blood loss is crucial to promptly identify and address any bleeding complications that may arise. Option A, providing antacids for digestive upset, is not a priority intervention when a client is on heparin. While gastrointestinal side effects like digestive upset can occur with heparin use, monitoring for acute blood loss takes precedence due to the potential life-threatening implications. Option B, monitoring the IV site for extravasation, is also important to prevent tissue damage from the infiltration of heparin. However, in the scenario of a client on heparin, the priority is to monitor for signs of acute blood loss, which directly relates to the medication's mechanism of action. Option D, monitoring the respiratory rate, is not directly related to the priority nursing interventions for a client on heparin. Respiratory rate monitoring may be relevant in other clinical situations, such as assessing for respiratory distress or the effects of certain medications on respiratory function. In an educational context, understanding the priority nursing interventions for clients on heparin is essential for safe and effective patient care. Nurses need to be able to prioritize assessments and interventions based on the medication's mechanism of action and potential complications. Monitoring for signs of acute blood loss in clients receiving heparin is a critical aspect of nursing care to ensure early detection and appropriate management of bleeding complications.