The nurse administers atenolol 50 mg PO bid to a client who has coronary artery disease. The nurse understands that the therapeutic effect of this medication for this client is to:
Decrease the incidence of tachycardia
Dilate the coronary arteries
Decrease cardiac workload
Increase the strength of myocardial contraction
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Decreasing the incidence of tachycardia is not the main therapeutic effect of atenolol for coronary artery disease. Atenolol is a beta-blocker that lowers the heart rate, but this is not the primary goal of therapy for coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease is caused by atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply the heart. This reduces the blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle and causes angina, or chest pain.
Choice B reason: Dilating the coronary arteries is not the therapeutic effect of atenolol for coronary artery disease. Atenolol does not directly affect the diameter of the coronary arteries. It works by blocking the beta receptors in the heart and reducing the response to adrenaline and other stress hormones. This lowers the blood pressure and the oxygen demand of the heart.
Choice C reason: This is the correct answer. Decreasing cardiac workload is the therapeutic effect of atenolol for coronary artery disease. Atenolol reduces the contractility and the excitability of the heart muscle, which lowers the force and the frequency of the heartbeats. This decreases the amount of work that the heart has to do and the amount of oxygen that it needs. This helps prevent or relieve anginal attacks and improve the quality of life of the client.
Choice D reason: Increasing the strength of myocardial contraction is not the therapeutic effect of atenolol for coronary artery disease. Atenolol does not increase the strength of myocardial contraction, but rather decreases it. Increasing the strength of myocardial contraction would increase the oxygen demand of the heart and worsen the angina. Atenolol aims to reduce the oxygen demand of the heart and improve the blood supply to the heart.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Having a urinary output of greater than 30 mL per hour for 24 hours is not the most appropriate outcome for the problem of impaired tissue perfusion. This outcome is more relevant for the problem of fluid volume excess or renal impairment, which are not the case for this client.
Choice B reason: Discussing which lifestyle modifications will be necessary to maintain health is not the most appropriate outcome for the problem of impaired tissue perfusion. This outcome is more relevant for the problem of knowledge deficit or risk for recurrence, which are not the priority for this client.
Choice C reason: Expressing no complaints of chest discomfort or shortness of breath is the most appropriate outcome for the problem of impaired tissue perfusion. This outcome indicates that the client's cardiac output and oxygen delivery are adequate and that the interventions are effective.
Choice D reason: Having clear breath sounds bilaterally upon auscultation is not the most appropriate outcome for the problem of impaired tissue perfusion. This outcome is more relevant for the problem of impaired gas exchange or pulmonary congestion, which are not the case for this client.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Throwing away any tablets that fizzle under my tongue, it means they are ineffective is not a statement that indicates an understanding of the discharge teaching. This statement is incorrect and dangerous, as fizzling or tingling is a normal sensation that indicates that the tablet is working. The client should not discard or waste the medication, but keep it in a dark, dry, and cool place.
Choice B reason: Keeping my bottle of nitroglycerin at home in the medicine cabinet is not a statement that indicates an understanding of the discharge teaching. This statement is impractical and risky, as the client may need the medication when they are away from home. The client should always carry the medication with them and have it readily available in case of chest pain.
Choice C reason: Calling 911 if I get chest pain that doesn't go away after one tablet and I will take another tablet is a statement that indicates an understanding of the discharge teaching. This statement is correct and safe, as it follows the standard protocol for using nitroglycerin SL for angina. The client should take one tablet under the tongue at the onset of chest pain, wait five minutes, and repeat if the pain persists. If the pain is not relieved after three tablets, the client should seek emergency medical attention.
Choice D reason: Removing the tablets from the bottle and keeping them in a plastic bag in my handbag is not a statement that indicates an understanding of the discharge teaching. This statement is inappropriate and harmful, as it exposes the medication to light, moisture, and heat, which can reduce its potency and effectiveness. The client should keep the tablets in their original container and close it tightly after each use.
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