A patient with peripheral vascular disease has been on pentoxifylline (Trental) for 2 weeks.
Which statements by the patient indicate no need for further patient teaching about the disease? Select all that apply.
"I should quit smoking to improve blood flow.".
"I need to avoid prolonged sitting or standing.".
"I should take my pentoxifylline with meals.".
"I need to limit my physical activity to avoid worsening symptoms.".
Correct Answer : A,B
Pentoxifylline is a medication that improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to the tissues in patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD), a condition that causes narrowing of the arteries in the legs. Pentoxifylline can help reduce the symptoms of intermittent claudication, which is cramping pain in the legs that occurs with walking and improves with rest.
Choice A is correct because smoking is a major risk factor for PVD and quitting smoking can improve blood flow and prevent further damage to the arteries.
Choice B is correct because prolonged sitting or standing can reduce blood flow to the legs and worsen symptoms of PVD.
Patients should avoid crossing their legs, wearing tight clothing, or exposing their legs to cold temperatures. They should also elevate their legs when resting and move them frequently.
Choice C is wrong because pentoxifylline should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after meals, to increase its absorption and effectiveness.
Choice D is wrong because physical activity is beneficial for patients with PVD and intermittent claudication.
Exercise can improve blood circulation, increase muscle strength, reduce pain, and lower cardiovascular risk factors. Patients should be encouraged to walk regularly, as tolerated, and follow a supervised exercise program if available.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is because potassium sparing diuretics do not lower potassium levels in the blood, unlike other types of diuretics.Potassium is an essential electrolyte that serves nerve and muscular functions and is regulated by the kidneys.Low potassium levels can cause irregular heartbeats and other problems. Therefore, patients taking potassium sparing diuretics should avoid food sources that are high in potassium, such as bananas, avocados, spinach, and potatoes.
Choice A is wrong because thiazide diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide, can cause low potassium levels in the blood.
Patients taking thiazide diuretics may need to take potassium supplements or eat more potassium-rich foods to prevent hypokalemia.
Choice B is wrong because osmotic diuretics, such as mannitol, do not affect potassium levels in the blood.
They work by increasing the amount of water in the urine, but do not alter the electrolyte balance.
Osmotic diuretics are mainly used to treat cerebral edema and glaucoma.
Choice D is wrong because loop diuretics, such as furosemide, can also cause low potassium levels in the blood.
They work by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and water in the loop of Henle, a part of the kidney.
Loop diuretics are used to treat edema and heart failure.
Normal ranges for potassium in the blood are 3.5 to 5.0 millimoles per liter (mmol/L).
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Diuretics are drugs that increase the amount of urine and salt (sodium) excreted by the kidneys. They are used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and edema (fluid retention). However, some diuretics can cause low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia), which can lead to muscle weakness, cramps, and arrhythmias. To prevent this, a combination of diuretics acting on different parts of the kidney (such as a loop diuretic and a thiazide diuretic) may be prescribed.This way, the potassium-sparing effect of one diuretic can balance the potassium-wasting effect of the other, while still achieving a net sodium loss.
Choice A is wrong because they are not a part of the initial diuretic therapy.Combination diuretic therapy is usually reserved for patients who are resistant to or intolerant of monotherapy.
Choice C is wrong because little follow up is not needed after the initial treatment.Patients on combination diuretic therapy require close monitoring of their blood pressure, electrolytes, renal function, and weight to avoid adverse effects such as dehydration, hyponatremia, hypotension, and worsening renal function.
Choice D is wrong because they do not increase the risk of hypokalemia.As explained above, combination diuretic therapy aims to reduce the risk of hypokalemia by using a potassium-sparing diuretic along with a potassium-wasting diuretic.
Normal ranges for serum potassium are 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L and for serum sodium are 135 to 145 mmol/L.
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