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: This is not a correct statement. LABAs stand for long-acting beta2-agonists, which are a class of medications that relax the smooth muscles of the airways and improve the airflow in patients with asthma or COPD. However, LABAs do not reduce the risk of asthma-related deaths, and may even increase it if used alone without an inhaled glucocorticoid, which is a type of anti-inflammatory medication.
Choice B reason: This is not a correct statement. LABAs cannot be used on an as-needed basis to treat symptoms, as they have a slow onset of action and a long duration of effect. LABAs are meant to be used as a maintenance therapy to prevent asthma exacerbations, not to relieve acute symptoms. For quick relief of symptoms, patients should use a short-acting beta2-agonist, such as albuterol or salbutamol.
Choice C reason: This is not a correct statement. LABAs are not safer than short-acting beta2 agonists, as they have similar side effects, such as tachycardia, tremors, and hypokalemia. LABAs also have a black box warning that they may increase the risk of asthma-related deaths if used without an inhaled glucocorticoid.
Choice D reason: This is the correct statement. LABAs should be combined with an inhaled glucocorticoid, as this combination has been shown to improve the asthma control, reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations, and decrease the inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. The inhaled glucocorticoid also reduces the risk of adverse effects and mortality associated with LABAs.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Jugular vein distention is a sign of right-sided heart failure, not left-sided. It indicates increased pressure in the right atrium and vena cava.
Choice B reason: Peripheral edema is also a sign of right-sided heart failure, not left-sided. It indicates fluid retention in the lower extremities and abdomen.
Choice C reason: Decreased systemic vascular resistance is not a characteristic of left-sided heart failure. It is a compensatory mechanism that occurs in response to reduced cardiac output.
Choice D reason: Pulmonary congestion is a characteristic of left-sided heart failure. It indicates fluid accumulation in the lungs due to the inability of the left ventricle to pump blood effectively.
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