A 73-year-old male patient is in the clinic for a yearly physical and is asking for a prescription for sildenafil. He has listed on his health history that he is taking a nitrate for angina. The nurse is aware that which problem may occur if sildenafil is taken with a nitrate?
Reduced effectiveness of the sildenafil
Significant increase in pulse rate
Increased risk of bleeding
Significant decrease in blood pressure
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because sildenafil and nitrates do not affect each other's effectiveness, but rather their side effects. Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor that enhances the effect of nitric oxide, which causes vasodilation and increases blood flow to the penis. Nitrates are vasodilators that also increase nitric oxide levels and reduce the workload of the heart.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because sildenafil and nitrates do not cause a significant increase in pulse rate, but rather a decrease. This is because the vasodilation caused by both drugs lowers the blood pressure and the cardiac output, which reduces the heart rate.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because sildenafil and nitrates do not increase the risk of bleeding, unless they are combined with other drugs that affect the blood clotting process, such as anticoagulants or antiplatelets.
Choice D reason: This is correct because sildenafil and nitrates can cause a significant decrease in blood pressure when taken together, as they both cause vasodilation and increase nitric oxide levels. This can lead to hypotension, dizziness, fainting, or even a heart attack or stroke. The patient should avoid taking sildenafil and nitrates within 24 hours of each other.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because orally administered decongestants do not have an immediate onset. They take longer to act than nasal sprays because they have to be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. Nasal sprays act directly on the nasal mucosa and have a faster onset.
Choice B reason: This is correct because orally administered decongestants do not cause rebound congestion. Rebound congestion is a condition in which the nasal passages become more swollen and congested after the effect of the nasal spray wears off. This can lead to overuse and dependence on the nasal spray. Orally administered decongestants do not have this effect because they act systemically and not locally.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because orally administered decongestants do not have a shorter duration. They have a longer duration than nasal sprays because they are metabolized more slowly by the liver. Nasal sprays have a shorter duration because they are eliminated more quickly by the nasal mucosa.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because orally administered decongestants are not more potent than nasal sprays. They have a similar potency, but they have a different mechanism of action. Orally administered decongestants act on the alpha-adrenergic receptors in the blood vessels, causing vasoconstriction and reducing congestion. Nasal sprays act on the beta-adrenergic receptors in the bronchial smooth muscle, causing bronchodilation and improving airflow.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Benzonatate is not the correct answer. Benzonatate is a cough suppressant that works by numbing the throat and lungs. It does not help in the removal of mucus.
Choice B reason: Guaifenesin is the correct answer. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that works by thinning and loosening the mucus in the airways. It helps in the removal of mucus by making it easier to cough up.
Choice C reason: Diphenhydramine is not the correct answer. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that works by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical that causes allergy symptoms. It does not help in the removal of mucus.
Choice D reason: Dextromethorphan is not the correct answer. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that works by affecting the signals in the brain that trigger the cough reflex. It does not help in the removal of mucus.
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