A nursing student is reviewing medications used to treat a patient with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Which of the following medications should the nurse identify as commonly prescribed for this condition? (Select all that apply)
Cilostazol (Pletal)
Ramipril (Altace)
Metoprolol (Lopressor)
Aspirin
Clopidogrel (Plavix)
Correct Answer : A,D,E
Choice A reason: Cilostazol inhibits phosphodiesterase III, increasing cyclic AMP, which dilates arteries and reduces platelet aggregation. This improves blood flow and reduces intermittent claudication in PAD, directly targeting vascular symptoms by enhancing circulation and preventing thrombosis, making it a primary treatment option.
Choice B reason: Ramipril, an ACE inhibitor, lowers blood pressure and protects vascular endothelium, benefiting PAD indirectly. It reduces cardiovascular strain but doesn’t directly improve limb perfusion or claudication, so it’s not a primary PAD medication despite its role in managing comorbidities like hypertension.
Choice C reason: Metoprolol, a beta-blocker, slows heart rate and reduces myocardial oxygen demand, useful in heart disease. In PAD, it may worsen claudication by reducing peripheral blood flow via vasoconstriction, making it less commonly prescribed specifically for PAD management.
Choice D reason: Aspirin inhibits cyclooxygenase, reducing thromboxane A2 and platelet aggregation. This antiplatelet action prevents clot formation in narrowed PAD arteries, improving outcomes by reducing thrombotic events, making it a standard, evidence-based therapy for symptom relief and risk reduction.
Choice E reason: Clopidogrel blocks ADP receptors on platelets, preventing aggregation and thrombus formation. In PAD, it reduces ischemic events and improves patency, often used alone or with aspirin, making it a key medication for managing vascular complications and symptoms.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Restricting fluids to 2 liters per day increases blood viscosity in sickle cell disease, promoting sickling and vaso-occlusion. Adequate hydration is critical to dilute hemoglobin S, so this instruction contradicts evidence-based management for crisis prevention.
Choice B reason: Iron supplements are contraindicated in sickle cell disease unless anemia is iron-deficient, which is rare. Most patients have normal or high iron from hemolysis, so a multivitamin with iron risks overload and organ damage.
Choice C reason: Avoiding caffeine lacks evidence in sickle cell crisis prevention; it’s not a trigger. Moderate intake doesn’t dehydrate significantly or affect sickling, making this instruction irrelevant to discharge teaching for this condition.
Choice D reason: Limiting crowd exposure reduces infection risk, a common sickle cell crisis trigger. Infections cause inflammation and hypoxia, promoting sickling, so this instruction aligns with preventing complications and maintaining patient stability post-discharge.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Mild left ventricular hypertrophy indicates cardiac strain from chronic hypertension, increasing risk for heart failure or infarction. It reflects structural change, elevating cardiovascular morbidity as pressure overload progresses, a known precursor to serious events.
Choice B reason: Total cholesterol of 210 mg/dL exceeds optimal (<200 mg/dL), promoting atherosclerosis. Lipid plaques narrow arteries, raising risks for coronary artery disease and stroke, a well-established cardiovascular risk factor needing intervention.
Choice C reason: Hemoglobin A1C of 7.5% shows poor glycemic control (>6.5% is diabetes), damaging vessels via glycation. This accelerates atherosclerosis and microvascular complications, significantly increasing cardiovascular event risk in uncontrolled diabetes.
Choice D reason: Sodium of 138 mEq/L is normal (135-145 mEq/L), not impacting cardiovascular risk directly. It influences fluid balance, but this value doesn’t suggest hypertension or heart strain, making it irrelevant here.
Choice E reason: Creatinine of 1.6 mg/dL (>1.2 mg/dL) signals renal impairment, often from hypertension or diabetes. Kidney dysfunction raises cardiovascular risk by disrupting fluid and pressure regulation, contributing to heart disease progression.
Choice F reason: Oxygen saturation of 95% on room air is normal (95-100%), indicating adequate lung function. It doesn’t suggest hypoxia or cardiovascular compromise, so it’s not a risk factor in this context.
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