A nurse is preparing to administer phenylephrine as a vasopressor to treat a patient for hypotension. The desired therapeutic effect of phenylephrine in this context is:

Vasoconstriction

Bronchodilation

Diuresis

Decreased heart rate

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Vasoconstriction is the desired therapeutic effect of phenylephrine in this context. Phenylephrine is a medication that stimulates the alpha1 receptors on the blood vessels, causing them to constrict or narrow. This increases the resistance to blood flow and raises the blood pressure. Phenylephrine is used as a vasopressor to treat hypotension, which is a condition of low blood pressure that can cause dizziness, fainting, or organ damage. The nurse should monitor the blood pressure and the peripheral pulses of the patient after administering phenylephrine.

Choice B reason: Bronchodilation is not the desired therapeutic effect of phenylephrine in this context. Phenylephrine is a medication that stimulates the alpha1 receptors on the blood vessels, causing them to constrict or narrow. It has no effect on the beta2 receptors on the bronchial smooth muscle, which are responsible for bronchodilation or widening of the airways. Phenylephrine is not used to treat respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, that cause bronchoconstriction or narrowing of the airways. The nurse should assess the respiratory rate and the breath sounds of the patient after administering phenylephrine.

Choice C reason: Diuresis is not the desired therapeutic effect of phenylephrine in this context. Phenylephrine is a medication that stimulates the alpha1 receptors on the blood vessels, causing them to constrict or narrow. It has no effect on the kidney function or the urine output. Phenylephrine is not used to treat fluid retention or edema, which are conditions of excess fluid in the body that can cause swelling, weight gain, or heart failure. The nurse should measure the urine output and the specific gravity of the patient after administering phenylephrine.

Choice D reason: Decreased heart rate is not the desired therapeutic effect of phenylephrine in this context. Phenylephrine is a medication that stimulates the alpha1 receptors on the blood vessels, causing them to constrict or narrow. It has little or no effect on the beta1 receptors on the heart, which are responsible for increasing the heart rate and the contractility. Phenylephrine may actually cause a reflex bradycardia, which is a slow heart rate that occurs when the baroreceptors in the blood vessels sense an increase in blood pressure and send signals to the brain to lower the heart rate. Phenylephrine is not used to treat tachycardia, which is a fast heart rate that can cause palpitations, chest pain, or arrhythmias. The nurse should monitor the electrocardiogram and the heart rate of the patient after administering phenylephrine.

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 A

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is correct. Excedrin contains a combination of aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain, inflammation, and swelling. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that enhances the pain-relieving function of aspirin and acetaminophen.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Ibuprofen and naproxen are both NSAIDs, but they are not the same as aspirin. They have different chemical structures and may have different effects and side effects. Caffeine is not an ingredient in ibuprofen or naproxen products.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Loratadine is an antihistamine that is used to treat allergies, not headaches. It does not have any pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory properties. Caffeine is not an ingredient in loratadine products.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Naproxen is an NSAID, but it is not the same as aspirin. It has a different chemical structure and may have different effects and side effects. Loratadine is an antihistamine that is used to treat allergies, not headaches. It does not have any pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory properties. Caffeine is not an ingredient in acetaminophen, naproxen, or loratadine products.

A. Tinnitus B. Drowsiness C. Diarrhea D. Palpitations

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Tinnitus is a rare side effect of Flexeril, which is a medication that relaxes the muscles and relieves pain and stiffness¹. Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that can be caused by various factors, such as ear infections, noise exposure, or certain medications. Flexeril does not affect the auditory system directly, but it can cause confusion or dizziness, which may worsen the perception of tinnitus.

Choice B reason: Drowsiness is the most common side effect of Flexeril, which is a medication that relaxes the muscles and relieves pain and stiffness¹. Drowsiness occurs because Flexeril has sedative and anticholinergic properties, which means that it blocks the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that regulates arousal and alertness. Flexeril can impair the mental and physical abilities, especially in elderly patients or those who take other medications that cause drowsiness¹. The nurse should educate the patient about the risk of drowsiness and advise them to avoid driving or operating machinery while taking Flexeril.

Choice C reason: Diarrhea is not a common side effect of Flexeril, which is a medication that relaxes the muscles and relieves pain and stiffness¹. Diarrhea is a condition that causes loose or watery stools, which can be caused by various factors, such as infections, food intolerance, or certain medications. Flexeril does not affect the gastrointestinal system directly, but it can cause dry mouth, nausea, or constipation, which may alter the bowel movements¹.

Choice D reason: Palpitations are not a common side effect of Flexeril, which is a medication that relaxes the muscles and relieves pain and stiffness¹. Palpitations are a sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeat, which can be caused by various factors, such as stress, anxiety, caffeine, or certain medications. Flexeril does not affect the cardiac system directly, but it can lower the blood pressure or interact with other medications that affect the heart rate, such as betablockers or antidepressants¹.

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 preparing to administer phenylephrine as a vasopressor to treat a patient for hypotension. The desired therapeutic effect of phenylephrine in this context is:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient with frequent tension headaches asks the nurse about over-the-counter remedies. The nurse knows that Excedrin combines which of the following active ingredients to address pain, inflammation, and increased vascular tone associated with headaches?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A patient is prescribed Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) for muscle spasms. Which of the following is the most common side effect that the nurse should educate the patient about?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

What does the term 'first pass effect' refer to?

What is the fastest route for medication administration?

A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who reports taking pseudoephedrine for sinus congestion as needed. The nurse should identify that pseudoephedrine is contraindicated for which of the following client conditions?

Which of the following instructions should a nurse give to a client who is starting lisinopril?

After administering sublingual nitroglycerin to a client with chest pain, it is most important for the nurse to assess:

What is the term used for a well understood drug model with which other drugs in its representative class are compared?

The nurse is caring for a client who is taking metformin (Glucophage) for hyperglycemia prior to admission. The nurse would question the following order for this client:

A nurse is caring for a client with asthma who is prescribed metoprolol. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following?