Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following drugs has a therapeutic effect that increases cardiac output and slows heart rate?

• A. Heparin
• B. Alprazolam
• C. Digoxin
• D. Levothyroxine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Digoxin is the correct answer. It is a medication known for its positive inotropic effects, which increase cardiac output, and negative chronotropic effects, which slow the heart rate. These effects are achieved by inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase pump in myocardial cells. Therefore, Digoxin is commonly prescribed to manage conditions like heart failure and atrial fibrillation, where enhancing cardiac output and reducing heart rate are beneficial. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because Heparin is an anticoagulant, Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety disorders, and Levothyroxine is a thyroid hormone replacement drug, none of which have the specified therapeutic effects on cardiac function.

2. A client has a new prescription for Methotrexate. Which of the following instructions should be included in the teaching?

• A. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
• B. Take the medication with a high-fat meal.
• C. Expect increased hair growth.
• D. You should never stop taking the medication without consulting your healthcare provider.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client taking Methotrexate is to avoid drinking alcohol. Methotrexate can cause liver toxicity, and alcohol consumption can increase this risk. It is important to emphasize the avoidance of alcohol while on this medication to prevent adverse effects and ensure treatment effectiveness. The other options are incorrect: Taking Methotrexate with a high-fat meal is not necessary as it can be taken with or without food. Increased hair growth is not an expected effect of Methotrexate; in fact, hair loss is a potential side effect. Stopping the medication without consulting a healthcare provider can be dangerous and may lead to worsening of symptoms or relapse, making option D incorrect.

3. A client has a new prescription for Digoxin to treat heart failure. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Contact the provider if the heart rate is less than 60/min.
• B. Check the pulse rate for 30 seconds and multiply the result by 2.
• C. Increase the intake of sodium.
• D. Take with food if nausea occurs.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. It is crucial for clients on Digoxin to monitor their heart rate. A heart rate less than 60/min can indicate bradycardia, a potential side effect of Digoxin. Therefore, the client should be instructed to contact the provider if their heart rate is less than 60/min to prevent complications and receive appropriate management. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Checking the pulse rate for 30 seconds and multiplying by 2 is not specific to Digoxin administration. Increasing sodium intake is contraindicated as Digoxin can lead to sodium retention. Taking Digoxin with food if nausea occurs is not recommended as it may affect the drug's absorption.

4. A client with Graves' disease is being taught about her prescribed medications. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the use of Propranolol in the treatment of Graves' disease?

• A. Propranolol helps increase blood flow to my thyroid gland.
• B. Propranolol is used to prevent excess glucose in my blood.
• C. Propranolol will decrease my tremors and fast heart rate.
• D. Propranolol promotes a decrease in thyroid hormone in my body.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Propranolol is a beta-adrenergic antagonist that helps decrease heart rate and control tremors in individuals with Graves' disease. It does not increase blood flow to the thyroid gland (choice A), prevent excess glucose in the blood (choice B), or directly decrease thyroid hormone levels in the body (choice D). Propranolol's primary role in Graves' disease is to alleviate symptoms like tremors and fast heart rate by blocking the effects of excessive thyroid hormone, rather than reducing the actual levels of thyroid hormone in the body.

5. Which drug classes are NOT typically used to treat angina?

• A. Calcium channel blockers
• B. Organic nitrates
• C. Alpha blockers
• D. Beta blockers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Angina is primarily treated with calcium channel blockers, organic nitrates, and beta blockers. Alpha blockers are not commonly used in the treatment of angina. Calcium channel blockers help dilate blood vessels, decreasing the workload on the heart. Organic nitrates relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing the heart's workload. Beta blockers reduce the heart rate and blood pressure, decreasing the heart's demand for oxygen. Alpha blockers are more commonly used to treat conditions like hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

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