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 D
Explanation
Diuretics are medicines that help the kidneys get rid of excess water and salt, which can ease the symptoms of heart failure, such as breathlessness and swelling.However, diuretics may have some side effects, such as loss of potassium, which can affect the heart and require regular blood tests and dietary changes.Diuretics can also cause other electrolyte abnormalities, such as hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, and metabolic alkalosis. Electrolyte disturbances can have serious consequences for the heart function and rhythm, as well as other organs.
Choice A is wrong because fluid retention is the opposite of what diuretics do.
Diuretics reduce fluid retention by increasing urine output and decreasing blood volume.
Choice B is wrong because hypotension is not a direct effect of diuretics on the heart, but rather a consequence of reduced blood volume and vasodilation.
Hypotension can occur with diuretic use, especially if the dose is too high or the patient is dehydrated, but it is not a specific condition caused by diuretics.
Choice C is wrong because hyperglycemia is not related to diuretics or heart failure.
Hyperglycemia is a condition of high blood sugar, which can be caused by diabetes or other factors.
Diuretics do not affect blood sugar levels directly, although some diuretics may interact with diabetes medications and affect their efficacy.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Lifestyle is the greatest contributing factor that can lead to many diseases, especially noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs are responsible for 74% of all deaths worldwide, and they share four major risk factors: tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diets.These modifiable behaviours increase the risk of metabolic risk factors such as raised blood pressure, increased blood glucose, elevated blood lipids and obesity, which can lead to NCDs.
Choice A is wrong because trauma is not a factor that can lead to many diseases, but rather a result of injuries or accidents that damage the body.Trauma can cause acute or chronic conditions, such as infections, bleeding, fractures, organ failure or post-traumatic stress disorder, but it is not a common cause of NCDs.
Choice C is wrong because congenital means present at birth or inherited.
Congenital diseases are caused by genetic mutations or environmental factors that affect the development of the fetus.
Some examples of congenital diseases are Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, congenital heart defects and spina bifida.
Congenital diseases are not the greatest contributing factor to many diseases because they are relatively rare and often detected early.
Choice D is wrong because genetics refers to the inherited traits from parents that influence the risk of developing certain diseases.
Genetics can play a role in some NCDs, such as cancers, diabetes and some cardiovascular diseases, but it is not the only or the most important factor.
Genetics interacts with environmental and lifestyle factors to determine the likelihood of developing a disease.
Therefore, genetics alone cannot lead to many diseases.
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