Which of the following events will tend to cause a decrease in peripheral resistance?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Anemia decreases blood viscosity, thereby reducing peripheral resistance.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The patient's low potassium level increases the risk for digoxin toxicity and potentially life-threatening dysrhythmias. The nurse should assess the patient for other signs of digoxin toxicity and then notify the health care provider about the potassium level. The other patients also have side effects of their drugs, but their symptoms do not indicate potentially life-threatening complications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Anterior cardiac veins drain directly into the right atrium, bypassing the coronary sinus.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Sympathetic stimulation increases the rate of depolarization in the SA node, raising heart rate.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Juxtaglomerular cells in the kidney secrete renin in response to low blood pressure or sodium levels.