A client who receives multiple antihypertensive medications experiences syncope due to a drop in blood pressure to 70/40 mm Hg. Which is the rationale for the nurse's decision to hold the client's scheduled antihypertensive medications?
Increased urinary clearance of the multiple medications has produced diuresis and lowered the blood pressure.
The synergistic effect of the multiple medications has resulted in drug toxicity and hypotension.
The antagonistic interaction among the various blood pressure medications has reduced their effectiveness.
The additive effect of multiple medications has caused the blood pressure to drop too low.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Increased urinary clearance of the multiple medications is not the cause of the client's syncope. Diuresis is a common side effect of some antihypertensive medications, such as diuretics, but it does not lower the blood pressure to a dangerous level. The nurse should monitor the client's fluid and electrolyte balance and urine output, but it is not the priority action in this situation.
Choice B reason: The synergistic effect of the multiple medications is not the cause of the client's syncope. Synergism is when two or more drugs work together to produce a greater effect than the sum of their individual effects. This can be beneficial or harmful, depending on the drugs and the doses. The nurse should check the client's medication history and avoid prescribing drugs that have a negative synergistic effect, but it is not the most likely explanation for the client's hypotension.
Choice C reason: The antagonistic interaction among the various blood pressure medications is not the cause of the client's syncope. Antagonism is when two or more drugs work against each other to reduce or cancel out their effects. This can decrease the effectiveness of the treatment and increase the risk of complications. The nurse should check the client's medication history and avoid prescribing drugs that have a negative antagonistic effect, but it is not the most likely explanation for the client's hypotension.
Choice D reason: The additive effect of multiple medications is the most likely cause of the client's syncope. Additivity is when two or more drugs have a similar effect and their combined effect is equal to the sum of their individual effects. This can lower the blood pressure too much and cause symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, and shock. The nurse should hold the client's scheduled antihypertensive medications and notify the healthcare provider. The nurse should also monitor the client's vital signs, level of consciousness, and perfusion.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Decreasing pain and burning during urination is not the purpose of probenecid, which is a drug that lowers the level of uric acid in the blood. Probenecid is used to treat gout, a condition that causes painful inflammation of the joints due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals. Probenecid does not have any effect on the urinary tract or its symptoms.
Choice B reason: Increasing the strength of the urine stream is not the purpose of probenecid, which is a drug that increases the amount of uric acid in the urine. Probenecid works by blocking the reabsorption of uric acid by the kidneys, thus increasing its excretion. Probenecid does not have any effect on the bladder or its function.
Choice C reason: Preventing the formation of kidney stones is not the purpose of probenecid, which is a drug that can actually increase the risk of kidney stones. Probenecid increases the concentration of uric acid in the urine, which can lead to the formation of uric acid stones. The nurse should instruct the client to drink plenty of fluids and avoid foods high in purines, such as organ meats, seafood, and alcohol, to prevent kidney stones.
Choice D reason: Promoting excretion of uric acid in the urine is the purpose of probenecid, which is a drug that reduces the level of uric acid in the blood. Probenecid helps prevent gout attacks by preventing the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. The nurse should monitor the client's serum uric acid level, renal function, and urine output, and advise the client to take the medication with food to avoid stomach upset.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Assessing for orthostatic hypotension is not a priority action before administering labetalol. Orthostatic hypotension is a possible side effect of the drug, but it is not an immediate concern.
Choice B reason: Administering the dose and monitoring the client's BP regularly is not the best action. The client's heart rate is below the normal range of 60 to 100 beats/minute, which indicates bradycardia. Labetalol can further lower the heart rate and cause cardiac complications.
Choice C reason: Applying a telemetry monitor before administering the dose is not necessary. Telemetry monitoring is used to detect cardiac arrhythmias, which are not a common adverse effect of labetalol. The client's heart rate and rhythm should be assessed by auscultation.
Choice D reason: Withholding the scheduled dose and notifying the health care provider is the correct action. The client's heart rate is too low to safely receive labetalol, which is a beta-blocker that can decrease the heart rate and contractility. The health care provider should be informed of the client's vital signs and the need to adjust the medication dosage or frequency.
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