The nurse is giving the vasodilator medication hydralazine IV push to a client with a systolic blood pressure of 210. What nursing education would be most important to include for this client?
Immediately report a dry cough
Low heart rate is common with this medication
Do not take this medication with birth control
Do not get up without assistance
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because a dry cough is not a common or serious side effect of hydralazine. A dry cough is more likely to occur with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which are another class of antihypertensive drugs.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because hydralazine does not cause a low heart rate. In fact, hydralazine can cause a reflex increase in heart rate as a result of lowering the blood pressure. This is why hydralazine is often given with a beta-blocker, which can slow down the heart rate.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because hydralazine does not interact with birth control. However, the nurse should advise the client to use effective contraception while taking hydralazine, as this medication can cause fetal harm if used during pregnancy.
Choice D reason: This is correct because hydralazine can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions. This can lead to dizziness, fainting, and falls. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid getting up too quickly and to ask for assistance if needed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["0.75"]
Explanation
To calculate the amount of heparin to administer, we can use the following formula:
Amount to administer (mL) = (Desired dose (units) / Available dose (units/mL))
Plugging in the given values:
Amount to administer (mL) = (7,500 units / 10,000 units/mL)
Now, let's solve for the amount to administer:
Amount to administer (mL) = (7,500 / 10,000) = 0.75 mL
So, the nurse should administer 0.75 mL of heparin subcutaneously.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect because checking the apical heart rate before taking calcium channel blockers is not necessary for most patients. Calcium channel blockers are a group of medications that relax and widen blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and slow the heart rate. They are used to treat conditions such as hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias. The nurse should check the apical heart rate only if the patient has a history of bradycardia (slow heart rate) or heart block (a problem with the electrical conduction of the heart).
Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect because calcium channel blockers do not cause increased blood pressure, but rather lower it. Blurred vision is not a common side effect of calcium channel blockers, and it may indicate other problems, such as eye infection, glaucoma, or stroke. The nurse should instruct the patient to report any changes in vision, but not to associate them with calcium channel blockers.
Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because calcium channel blockers do not affect cholesterol levels, and the time of day they are taken does not matter. Cholesterol is a type of fat that circulates in the blood and can build up in the arteries, causing atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries). Cholesterol levels are influenced by diet, exercise, genetics, and other medications, such as statins. The nurse should advise the patient to follow a healthy lifestyle and take any prescribed medications for cholesterol control.
Choice D reason: This choice is correct because grapefruit juice can interact with some calcium channel blockers, such as nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem, and increase their blood levels and effects. This can cause serious side effects, such as low blood pressure, dizziness, headache, flushing, and edema (swelling). The nurse should warn the patient to avoid grapefruit juice and any products that contain grapefruit while taking calcium channel blockers.
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