A nurse is providing care for a client with hypokalemia. Which condition should the nurse monitor for?

Choice A Reason:

Coronary arteries do not become more elastic with age. Instead, they tend to become less elastic due to the buildup of plaque, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This buildup narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow, which can lead to coronary artery disease (CAD). The heart not receiving enough oxygen is a result of this narrowing, not increased elasticity.

Choice B Reason:

Coronary arteries decrease in diameter due to the buildup of plaque, which consists of fats, cholesterol, and other substances. This narrowing restricts the flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the heart muscle, leading to symptoms such as chest pain (angina) and shortness of breath. This is the primary mechanism behind coronary artery disease.

Choice C Reason:

This choice is essentially a repetition of Choice B and is correct for the same reasons. The narrowing of the coronary arteries due to plaque buildup leads to insufficient blood flow, causing the heart muscle to receive less oxygen and nutrients.

Choice D Reason:

Manifestations of coronary artery disease are not due to the dilation of coronary arteries. Instead, they are due to the narrowing of these arteries. Increased blood flow and pressure are not typical causes of CAD symptoms. The primary issue is the restricted blood flow due to narrowed arteries.

Choice E Reason:

While it is true that the heart and coronary arteries can weaken over time, leading to poor perfusion and angina, this statement does not accurately describe the primary mechanism of coronary artery disease. The main issue in CAD is the narrowing of the arteries due to plaque buildup, which restricts blood flow to the heart muscle.

Choice A Reason

Acetaminophen is often used to manage pain and fever, but it is not the primary treatment for pericarditis. While it can help alleviate discomfort, it does not address the inflammation associated with pericarditis12.

Choice B Reason:

Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication used to treat and prevent various types of serious irregular heartbeats, such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. It is not typically used for treating pericarditis, as it does not address the inflammation or pain associated with the condition.

Choice C Reason:

Colchicine is recommended as part of the first-line treatment for pericarditis. It helps reduce inflammation and the risk of recurrent pericarditis when used in conjunction with NSAIDs5. Colchicine is effective in managing symptoms and preventing recurrences.

Choice D Reason:

Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is effective in reducing inflammation and pain associated with pericarditis. NSAIDs are commonly prescribed for pericarditis to help manage symptoms and reduce inflammation. Indomethacin, along with other NSAIDs like ibuprofen, is often part of the first-line treatment for this condition.

Choice E Reason:

Nitroglycerine is primarily used to treat angina (chest pain) and heart failure by dilating blood vessels and reducing the heart’s workload. It is not typically used for treating pericarditis, as it does not address the inflammation or pain associated with the condition.