Digoxin (Lanoxin) is a cardiac glycoside that is among the oldest medications used for heart failure.
What are its two primary actions?
Positive chronotropy and negative inotropy.
Negative inotropy and negative chronotropy.
Positive inotropy and negative chronotropy.
Positive inotropy and positive chronotropy.
The Correct Answer is C
Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that increases the force of heart contractions (positive inotropy) and decreases the heart rate (negative chronotropy) by inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase pump in the cardiac cell membranes and affecting the autonomic tone. This helps to improve the symptoms of heart failure and to control the ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation.
Choice A is wrong because positive chronotropy means increasing the heart rate, which is the opposite of what digoxin does.
Choice B is wrong because negative inotropy means decreasing the force of heart contractions, which is also the opposite of what digoxin does.
Choice D is wrong because positive inotropy and positive chronotropy would both increase the workload of the heart, which is not desirable in heart failure or atrial fibrillation.
Normal ranges for digoxin are 0.5 to 2 ng/mL for heart failure and 0.8 to 2 ng/mL for atrial fibrillation. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic window and can cause serious side effects if overdosed or underdosed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Nitrates are a class of drugs that help to widen the blood vessels and increase blood flow to the heart muscle, which reduces the chest pain or discomfort caused by angina.Nitrates can be taken as a mouth spray or tablets that dissolve under the tongue during an angina attack, or as a preventive measure before physical activity.
Choice A is wrong because fatty oxidase enzyme inhibitors are not a real class of drugs.
Fatty acid oxidation is a process that breaks down fats for energy, and it is not related to angina treatment.
Choice B is wrong because beta adrenergic blockers are not the main class of drugs for angina treatment, although they can be used to prevent angina attacks by slowing down the heart rate and reducing the blood pressure.
Beta blockers block the effects of epinephrine (adrenaline) on the heart and blood vessels, which reduces the oxygen demand of the heart.
Choice D is wrong because statins are not used to treat angina attacks, but to lower the cholesterol levels in the blood and prevent plaque buildup in the arteries.
Statins can help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with angina, but they do not relieve angina symptoms.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is because elevating the legs can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow back to the heart by reducing the effects of gravity.Elevating the legs can also prevent blood from pooling in the veins and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Choice A is wrong because dangling the legs can increase swelling and pressure in the veins, which can worsen peripheral venous disease (PVD) symptoms and complications.
Choice B is wrong because sitting in one position for prolonged hours can impair blood circulation and increase the risk of blood clots, especially in the lower legs.People with PVD should avoid crossing their legs, wearing tight clothing, or sitting for long periods without moving.
Choice D is wrong because standing in one position can also increase swelling and pressure in the veins, which can lead to pain, ulcers, and skin changes.People with PVD should avoid standing for long periods without moving or changing positions.
Some additional information:
Peripheral venous disease (PVD) is a condition that affects blood flow in the veins and arteries outside of your heart and brain.
It can be caused by narrowing, blocking, or spasming of the blood vessels, or by blood clots in the veins.PVD can cause pain and fatigue, especially in the legs, and can lead to serious complications such as gangrene or amputation.
The most common cause of PVD is atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque inside the artery wall.
Plaque reduces the amount of blood flow to the limbs and decreases the oxygen and nutrients available to the tissue.Other causes of PVD may include injury, infection, irregular anatomy of muscles or ligaments, or inflammation of the blood vessels.
The normal range of blood pressure in the veins is about 10 to 20 mmHg.
The normal range of oxygen saturation in the veins is about 60 to 80%.
The normal range of pulse rate in the veins is about 60 to 100 beats per minute.
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