The nurse is preparing to assess Maria’s respiratory system. Which assessment findings are likely to be associated with pneumonia?

Choice A reason: Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, blocks angiotensin II formation, relaxing arteries and reducing blood pressure. It directly treats hypertension by decreasing vascular resistance and preload, a first-line therapy supported by its systemic vasodilatory effects.

Choice B reason: Metformin manages type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. It doesn’t affect blood pressure directly, targeting metabolic pathways instead, so it’s not a hypertension treatment despite cardiovascular risk benefits.

Choice C reason: Hydralazine dilates arterioles by relaxing smooth muscle, directly lowering blood pressure. Used in hypertension, especially in crises, it reduces afterload, making it a potent antihypertensive agent when rapid control is needed.

Choice D reason: Aspirin prevents platelet aggregation, reducing thrombotic risk in cardiovascular disease. It doesn’t lower blood pressure directly, acting as an antiplatelet rather than an antihypertensive, so it’s not a primary treatment for hypertension.

Choice E reason: Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, relaxes vascular smooth muscle, decreasing peripheral resistance. It directly treats hypertension by dilating arteries, improving blood flow, and reducing cardiac workload, a common and effective long-term therapy.

Choice A reason: Cilostazol inhibits phosphodiesterase III, increasing cyclic AMP, which dilates arteries and reduces platelet aggregation. This improves blood flow and reduces intermittent claudication in PAD, directly targeting vascular symptoms by enhancing circulation and preventing thrombosis, making it a primary treatment option.

Choice B reason: Ramipril, an ACE inhibitor, lowers blood pressure and protects vascular endothelium, benefiting PAD indirectly. It reduces cardiovascular strain but doesn’t directly improve limb perfusion or claudication, so it’s not a primary PAD medication despite its role in managing comorbidities like hypertension.

Choice C reason: Metoprolol, a beta-blocker, slows heart rate and reduces myocardial oxygen demand, useful in heart disease. In PAD, it may worsen claudication by reducing peripheral blood flow via vasoconstriction, making it less commonly prescribed specifically for PAD management.

Choice D reason: Aspirin inhibits cyclooxygenase, reducing thromboxane A2 and platelet aggregation. This antiplatelet action prevents clot formation in narrowed PAD arteries, improving outcomes by reducing thrombotic events, making it a standard, evidence-based therapy for symptom relief and risk reduction.

Choice E reason: Clopidogrel blocks ADP receptors on platelets, preventing aggregation and thrombus formation. In PAD, it reduces ischemic events and improves patency, often used alone or with aspirin, making it a key medication for managing vascular complications and symptoms.