A patient has 2+ pitting edema of the lower extremities bilaterally. Auscultation of the lungs reveals crackles bilaterally, and the serum potassium level is 6 mEq/L, which is above normal level. Which agent ordered by the prescriber should the nurse question?
Beta blockers
Alpha 2 agonists
Calcium channel blockers
Aldosterone antagonists
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is not the agent that the nurse should question. Beta blockers are a class of medications that lower the blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the beta receptors in the heart and blood vessels. They can be used to treat hypertension, angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias. They do not cause edema or hyperkalemia.
Choice B reason: This is not the agent that the nurse should question. Alpha 2 agonists are a class of medications that lower the blood pressure by stimulating the alpha 2 receptors in the brain, which reduce the sympathetic nervous system activity. They can be used to treat hypertension, especially in patients with renal impairment. They do not cause edema or hyperkalemia.
Choice C reason: This is not the agent that the nurse should question. Calcium channel blockers are a class of medications that lower the blood pressure and heart rate by blocking the calcium channels in the heart and blood vessels, which cause vasodilation and reduced cardiac contractility. They can be used to treat hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias. They may cause edema, but not hyperkalemia.
Choice D reason: This is the agent that the nurse should question. Aldosterone antagonists are a class of medications that lower the blood pressure and reduce fluid retention by blocking the action of aldosterone, a hormone that regulates the sodium and potassium balance in the body. They can be used to treat hypertension and heart failure, especially in patients with low renin levels. However, they can cause hyperkalemia, which can be dangerous for the patient. The nurse should question the prescriber about the rationale for prescribing this agent and monitor the patient's potassium level closely.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the definition of ejection fraction. The percentage of blood that leaves the heart in a minute is related to the cardiac output, which is the product of the heart rate and the stroke volume.
Choice B reason: This is the correct definition of ejection fraction. It is the ratio of the stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped by the left ventricle) to the end-diastolic volume (the amount of blood in the left ventricle at the end of diastole). It is a measure of the efficiency of the heart and reflects the contractility of the cardiac muscle.
Choice C reason: This is not the definition of ejection fraction. The amount of blood that leaves the heart with each beat is the stroke volume, which is one of the factors that determine the ejection fraction.
Choice D reason: This is not the definition of ejection fraction. The amount of blood that leaves the heart in a minute is the cardiac output, which is influenced by the ejection fraction, but not equivalent to it.
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Oliguria is not a forward effect of left ventricular heart failure. It is a backward effect that occurs due to reduced renal perfusion and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
Choice B reason: Increased heart rate is a forward effect of left ventricular heart failure. It is a compensatory mechanism that occurs due to reduced cardiac output and sympathetic stimulation.
Choice C reason: Wet cough is a forward effect of left ventricular heart failure. It is a sign of pulmonary congestion and edema that result from increased pressure in the pulmonary veins and capillaries.
Choice D reason: Confusion is not a forward effect of left ventricular heart failure. It is a backward effect that occurs due to reduced cerebral perfusion and hypoxia.
Choice E reason: Jugular venous distention is not a forward effect of left ventricular heart failure. It is a backward effect that occurs due to increased pressure in the right atrium and vena cava.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.