A patient recently prescribed a calcium channel blocker for the treatment of hypertension is experiencing dizziness when rising to a standing position. Which action will the nurse take?
Instruct the patient to monitor weight daily.
Inform the patient to discontinue the medication.
Advise the patient to increase dietary sodium.
Encourage the patient to sit down if feeling faint.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is not the action that the nurse should take. Instructing the patient to monitor weight daily is not relevant to the patient's dizziness. Weight monitoring is more useful for patients with fluid retention or heart failure, which are not caused by calcium channel blockers.
Choice B reason: This is not the action that the nurse should take. Informing the patient to discontinue the medication is not appropriate, as this can cause rebound hypertension and other complications. The patient should not stop taking the medication without consulting their health care provider.
Choice C reason: This is not the action that the nurse should take. Advising the patient to increase dietary sodium is not helpful, as this can worsen the hypertension and increase the risk of cardiovascular events. The patient should follow a low-sodium diet and avoid salt substitutes that contain potassium.
Choice D reason: This is the action that the nurse should take. Encouraging the patient to sit down if feeling faint is a simple and effective way to prevent falls and injuries. Dizziness is a common side effect of calcium channel blockers, especially when the patient changes position or stands up quickly. This is due to the orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing up) caused by the vasodilation effect of the medication. However, this side effect is usually mild and transient, and can be prevented by rising slowly from a sitting or lying position, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding alcohol.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Decreased cardiac output would result in a decrease in blood pressure, not an increase. Cardiac output is the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute.
Choice B reason: Decreased vascular resistance would also result in a decrease in blood pressure, not an increase. Vascular resistance is the force that opposes the blood flow in the blood vessels.
Choice C reason: Hypovolemia would also result in a decrease in blood pressure, not an increase. Hypovolemia is the condition of having low blood volume due to fluid loss or dehydration.
Choice D reason: Vasoconstriction would result in an increase in blood pressure. Vasoconstriction is the narrowing of the blood vessels, which increases the vascular resistance and the blood pressure.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: An increase in antithrombotic substances is not a cause of atherosclerosis. Antithrombotic substances are agents that prevent or reduce the formation of blood clots. They can be used to treat or prevent atherosclerosis, not cause it.
Choice B reason: Congenital heart disease is not a cause of atherosclerosis. Congenital heart disease is a condition that is present at birth and affects the structure or function of the heart. It can be caused by genetic or environmental factors, not by atherosclerosis.
Choice C reason: Endothelial injury and inflammation are causes of atherosclerosis. Endothelial injury is the damage to the inner lining of the blood vessels, which can be caused by various factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or diabetes. Inflammation is the body's response to the injury, which involves the activation of immune cells and the release of cytokines and growth factors. These processes lead to the formation of plaque, which is composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, calcium, and other materials.
Choice D reason: High serum potassium levels are not a cause of atherosclerosis. High serum potassium levels are a condition that affects the balance of electrolytes in the blood. It can be caused by kidney disease, medication side effects, or excessive intake of potassium-rich foods. It can affect the heart rhythm and function, but it does not cause atherosclerosis.
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