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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason: A 32-year-old client who has benign breast disease does not have a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives. Benign breast disease is not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer or thromboembolic events. However, the nurse should advise the client to perform regular breast self-examinations and report any changes.
Choice B reason: A 26-year-old client who has migraine headaches at the start of each menstrual cycle does not have a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives. Migraine headaches that are related to the menstrual cycle may actually improve with oral contraceptives, as they can regulate the hormonal fluctuations. However, the nurse should monitor the client for any signs of stroke or hypertension, as these are rare but serious complications of oral contraceptives.
Choice C reason: A 28-year-old client who has a history of pelvic inflammatory disease does not have a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives. Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the reproductive organs that can cause infertility, chronic pain, and ectopic pregnancy. Oral contraceptives can reduce the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease by creating a thick cervical mucus that prevents the entry of bacteria. However, the nurse should remind the client that oral contraceptives do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, and that barrier methods should be used in addition.
Choice D reason: A 38-year-old client who reports smoking one pack of cigarettes every day has a contraindication for receiving oral contraceptives. Smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Oral contraceptives also increase the risk of these diseases, especially in women older than 35 years. Therefore, the combination of smoking and oral contraceptives can have a synergistic effect and cause serious harm. The nurse should recommend other methods of contraception for this client, such as intrauterine devices, implants, or injections.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:This is incorrect. When mixing regular (clear) and NPH (cloudy) insulin, air should be injected into the NPH vial first, then into the regular insulin vial. This prevents contamination of the regular insulin with NPH insulin.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because the nurse should not shake the NPH insulin vial, but rather roll it gently between the palms to mix it. Shaking can cause bubbles and affect the accuracy of the dose.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because the nurse should draw up the regular insulin into the syringe first, then the NPH insulin. This prevents mixing of the NPH insulin with the regular insulin in the vial.
Choice D reason: This is correct. Regular insulin should always be clear. If it appears cloudy, it may be contaminated or expired and should be discarded.
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