The nurse is evaluating the effects of the prescribed carvedilol 6.25 mg PO daily for a client with a history of unstable angina. Which of the following reflects that the medication has been effective?
Exertional dyspnea resolved
Heart rate 50 beats/minute
Heart rhythm regular
Blood pressure 120/90
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Exertional dyspnea is a common symptom of unstable angina, which is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Carvedilol is a beta-blocker that reduces the workload of the heart and improves its oxygen supply. Therefore, resolving exertional dyspnea indicates that the medication has been effective.
Choice B reason: A heart rate of 50 beats/minute is not a desired outcome of carvedilol therapy. It may indicate that the dose is too high or that the client has a conduction problem. A normal resting heart rate for adults is between 60 and 100 beats/minute.
Choice C reason: A regular heart rhythm is not a specific indicator of carvedilol effectiveness. Carvedilol can prevent or treat some arrhythmias, but it is not the primary goal of therapy for unstable angina. A regular heart rhythm may also be influenced by other factors such as electrolytes, hydration, and stress.
Choice D reason: A blood pressure of 120/90 is not a sign of carvedilol effectiveness. Carvedilol can lower blood pressure, but it is not the main purpose of treatment for unstable angina. A blood pressure of 120/90 is considered prehypertension, which may increase the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This option is not correct because the cholesterol level is within the normal range of less than 200 mg/dL¹, the HDL level is slightly low but not too far from the recommended level of over 40 mg/dL for men and over 50 mg/dL for women¹, and the triglyceride level is also within the normal range of less than 150 mg/dL¹. Therefore, this set of laboratory results does not indicate a need for dietary modifications.
Choice B reason: This option is not correct because the cholesterol level is low, the HDL level is high, and the triglyceride level is normal. These are all desirable results that reflect a low risk of coronary artery disease¹. Therefore, this set of laboratory results does not indicate a need for dietary modifications.
Choice C reason: This option is correct because the cholesterol level is high, the HDL level is low, and the triglyceride level is high. These are all unfavorable results that reflect a high risk of coronary artery disease¹. High cholesterol and triglycerides can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, which can cause atherosclerosis and reduce blood flow to the heart². Low HDL can also increase the risk of heart disease because it does not help remove LDL (bad cholesterol) from the arteries². Therefore, this set of laboratory results indicates a need for dietary modifications, such as reducing saturated and trans fats, increasing fiber, and limiting alcohol³.
Choice D reason: This option is not correct because the cholesterol level is normal, the HDL level is high, and the triglyceride level is normal. These are all desirable results that reflect a low risk of coronary artery disease¹. Therefore, this set of laboratory results does not indicate a need for dietary modifications..
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: The client had an allergic reaction to losartan, a drug that belongs to the class of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). ¹ Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, and face, as well as difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and shock. ² The client needs immediate medical attention and treatment with oxygen, fluids, and epinephrine. ³
Choice B reason: The client did not have an expected side effect of the medication. Losartan is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict and retain salt and water. ¹ Some common side effects of losartan include dizziness, headache, fatigue, cough, and nausea. ⁴ Anaphylaxis is not a common or expected side effect of losartan, but a rare and serious adverse reaction.
Choice C reason: The client should not have a prescription change to enalapril. Enalapril is another drug that lowers blood pressure and heart failure, but it belongs to the class of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ⁵ ACE inhibitors and ARBs have similar mechanisms of action and effects, but they differ in how they block the angiotensin system. However, both classes of drugs can cause allergic reactions and anaphylaxis in some people, especially those who have a history of allergy to either drug. The client should avoid both ACE inhibitors and ARBs and use another type of blood pressure medication.
Choice D reason: The client should not avoid taking the medication with food. Food does not affect the absorption or effectiveness of losartan. ⁴ The client can take the medication with or without food, as directed by the provider. However, the client should avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they can interact with losartan and increase the risk of side effects.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
