A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving nitroprusside for hypertensive crisis. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing an adverse effect of this medication?

Hypotension

Bradycardia

Tachycardia

Hypertension.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Nitroprusside is a vasodilator that lowers blood pressure by dilating blood vessels. It is used to treat hypertensive crisis, which is a life-threatening condition of very high blood pressure. However, nitroprusside can cause excessive hypotension, which is a serious side effect that can lead to irreversible ischemic injuries or death. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client’s blood pressure continuously and adjust the infusion rate accordingly.

Choice B is wrong because Bradycardia is wrong because nitroprusside does not affect the heart rate directly. However, bradycardia can occur as a reflex response to hypotension, which is a possible adverse effect of nitroprusside. Therefore, the nurse should also monitor the client’s heart rate and rhythm.

Choice C is wrong because Tachycardia is wrong because nitroprusside does not cause tachycardia directly. However, tachycardia can occur as a compensatory mechanism to hypotension, which is a possible adverse effect of nitroprusside. Therefore, the nurse should also monitor the client’s heart rate and rhythm.

Choice D is wrong because Hypertension is wrong because nitroprusside is used to lower blood pressure, not to raise it. However, hypertension can occur if the infusion is stopped abruptly, which can cause rebound vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure. Therefore, the nurse should taper off the infusion gradually and avoid sudden discontinuation.

Normal ranges for blood pressure are systolic less than 120 mmHg and diastolic less than 80 mmHg.

Normal ranges for heart rate are 60 to 100 beats per minute.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["D","E"]

Explanation

Drinking 36 oz beer daily and eating a diet high in sodium are actions that increase the risk for hypertension.

Here is why:

• Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and also damage the liver, brain, and heart.The American Heart Association recommends limiting alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

• Eating a diet high in sodium can cause the body to retain fluid, which increases blood pressure.The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to no more than 2,300 mg per day, and ideally no more than 1,500 mg per day.

Choice A, B, and C are wrong because:

• Drinking 8 oz nonfat milk daily is not a risk factor for hypertension.In fact, dairy products may help lower blood pressure by providing calcium, potassium, and protein.

• Eating popcorn at the movie theater is not a risk factor for hypertension, unless the popcorn is heavily salted or buttered.Popcorn is a whole grain that can provide fiber and antioxidants.

• Walking 1 mile daily at 12 min/mile pace is not a risk factor for hypertension.On the contrary, physical activity can help lower blood pressure by strengthening the heart and blood vessels.

Normal blood pressure range is less than 120/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury).

Elevated blood pressure range is 120-129/less than 80 mm Hg.

Hypertension stage 1 range is 130-139/80-89 mm Hg.

Hypertension stage 2 range is 140 or higher/90 or higher mm Hg.Hypertensive crisis range is higher than 180/higher than 120 mm Hg.

A. “I should keep the tablets in a dark, glass bottle.” B. “I should take one tablet every 5 minutes for up to three doses if I have chest pain.” C. “I should swallow the tablet with a glass of water.” D. “I should replace the tablets every 6 months.”.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

This statement indicates a need for further teaching because sublingual nitroglycerin tablets should not be swallowed, but dissolved under the tongue for rapid absorption and onset of action. Swallowing the tablet would reduce its effectiveness and delay its action.

Choice A is wrong because nitroglycerin tablets should be kept in a dark, glass bottle to protect them from light, heat, and moisture, which can degrade the drug.The bottle should be tightly closed and labeled with the date of opening.

Choice B is wrong because nitroglycerin tablets can be taken every 5 minutes for up to three doses if chest pain persists.If the pain is not relieved after three doses, the client should call 911 or seek emergency medical attention.

Choice D is wrong because nitroglycerin tablets have a short shelf life and should be replaced every 6 months or as indicated by the manufacturer.The client should check the expiration date and discard any unused tablets after 6 months.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving nitroprusside for hypertensive crisis. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing an adverse effect of this medication?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is screening a male client for hypertension. The nurse should identify that which of the following actions by the client increase his risk for hypertension? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["D","E"]

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a client who has stable angina about the use of sublingual nitroglycerin. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a middle-age client about hypertension. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving nitroprusside for hypertensive crisis. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing an adverse effect of this medication?

A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving intravenous heparin for angina and has a history of atrial fibrillation. Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse use to evaluate the effectiveness of heparin therapy?

A nurse is screening a male client for hypertension. The nurse should identify that which of the following actions by the client increase his risk for hypertension? (Select one).

A client with hypertension is prescribed hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the medication?

A nurse is administering aspirin to a client who has angina and is at risk for myocardial infarction. Which of the following statements by the nurse explains the rationale for this medication?