The nurse is providing instruction to a patient who was recently prescribed an ACE inhibitor for hypertension. Which is an adverse effect of this medication?
Constipation
Hypokalemia
Chronic cough
Nervousness
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: This is not an adverse effect of ACE inhibitors. Constipation is a common side effect of opioid medications, which slow down the intestinal motility and cause hard stools.
Choice B reason: This is not an adverse effect of ACE inhibitors. Hypokalemia is a low level of potassium in the blood, which can be caused by diuretic medications, such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide, which increase the urine output and potassium excretion.
Choice C reason: This is an adverse effect of ACE inhibitors. Chronic cough is a dry, persistent cough that occurs in some patients taking ACE inhibitors, due to the accumulation of bradykinin, a substance that causes inflammation and irritation in the respiratory tract.
Choice D reason: This is not an adverse effect of ACE inhibitors. Nervousness is a common side effect of stimulant medications, such as caffeine or amphetamine, which increase the activity of the central nervous system and cause anxiety, agitation, and insomnia.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: ACE inhibitors do not lower heart rate. They lower blood pressure by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which is a potent vasoconstrictor. Beta blockers are the drugs that lower heart rate and blood pressure.
Choice B reason: ACE inhibitors inhibit vasoconstriction. This is the correct statement that describes the action of these medications. By blocking the angiotensin II formation, they prevent the narrowing of the blood vessels and reduce the resistance to blood flow.
Choice C reason: ACE inhibitors do not increase aldosterone secretion. They decrease it. Aldosterone is a hormone that causes the kidneys to retain sodium and water, which increases blood volume and pressure. By blocking the angiotensin II formation, ACE inhibitors reduce the stimulation of aldosterone secretion and promote sodium and water excretion.
Choice D reason: ACE inhibitors do not promote sodium retention. They promote sodium excretion. As explained above, ACE inhibitors reduce the aldosterone secretion and prevent the kidneys from reabsorbing sodium and water. This lowers the blood volume and pressure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Cardiac output has not fallen below normal levels. Cardiac output is the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute. It is affected by the heart rate and the stroke volume. Angina pectoris does not directly affect the cardiac output, but it can reduce the stroke volume due to impaired ventricular filling.
Choice B reason: The vagus nerve is not stimulated. The vagus nerve is a cranial nerve that innervates the heart and other organs. It is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which slows down the heart rate and lowers the blood pressure. Angina pectoris does not activate the vagus nerve, but it can trigger the sympathetic nervous system, which increases the heart rate and blood pressure.
Choice C reason: Myocardial stretch has not exceeded the upper limits. Myocardial stretch is the degree of tension or load on the cardiac muscle fibers. It is determined by the end-diastolic volume, which is the amount of blood in the ventricle at the end of relaxation. Angina pectoris does not cause excessive myocardial stretch, but it can impair the myocardial contractility due to ischemia.
Choice D reason: The myocardial oxygen supply has fallen below demand. This is the main cause of angina pectoris. It occurs when the coronary arteries, which supply blood and oxygen to the heart muscle, are narrowed or blocked by atherosclerosis or spasm. This creates an imbalance between the oxygen demand of the heart, which increases during exertion, and the oxygen supply, which is reduced by the obstruction.
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