The nurse recalls that which type of drug therapy is used to treat volume overload in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF)?
Diuretics
Narcotics
Vasodilators
Positive inotropes
The Correct Answer is A
Diuretics are the primary class of drugs used to treat volume overload in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). These medications help to increase urine output, reducing the overall fluid volume in the body and relieving congestion in the lungs and other tissues.
The goal of using diuretics in ADHF is to alleviate symptoms such as shortness of breath, edema (swelling), and fluid retention by promoting the elimination of excess fluid. The most commonly used diuretics in this setting are loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide, bumetanide), which have a potent diuretic effect and can rapidly reduce fluid overload.
While narcotics, vasodilators, and positive inotropes may have roles in specific cases of ADHF, they are not the primary drugs used to treat volume overload. Narcotics may be used for pain management, vasodilators to reduce afterload (the resistance the heart has to pump against), and positive inotropes to increase the heart's contractility in certain situations. However, the first-line treatment for volume overload in ADHF is diuretic therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","E"]
Explanation
Based on the client's condition, the nurse should monitor the following:
C. Electrocardiogram (ECG) Rhythm: The client is experiencing chest pain with ST elevation, which indicates a possible myocardial infarction (MI). Continuous monitoring of the ECG rhythm is essential to identify any changes or dysrhythmias that may occur during the course of the client's care.
E. Vital signs: The client's tachycardia with ST elevation suggests cardiac involvement. Monitoring vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, is crucial to assess the client's hemodynamic status and detect any signs of deterioration or improvement.
The other options (A. WBC Count, B. Platelet Count, and D. Serum glucose level) are not directly related to the client's acute chest pain and the possible MI. While these tests may be ordered for other reasons or as part of the overall assessment, they are not the immediate priorities in this situation. Monitoring the ECG rhythm and vital signs are more relevant to the client's acute cardiac condition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The patient is apneic (not breathing) and has no palpable pulses, indicating a cardiac arrest or severe cardiovascular compromise. In this situation, the most appropriate action for the nurse to take next is to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately.
CPR is a life-saving procedure that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to circulate oxygenated blood to vital organs when the heart is not effectively pumping. In the case of cardiac arrest, early initiation of CPR is critical to improve the chances of survival and minimize potential brain damage.
The heart monitor shows sinus tachycardia, rate 132, which suggests that the electrical impulses are reaching the heart, but the heart is not effectively pumping blood due to the lack of a palpable pulse. This condition requires immediate intervention with CPR rather than other treatments such as synchronized cardioversion (option A) or administering atropine (option D).
While applying supplemental oxygen via a non-rebreather mask (option C) is generally important in many emergency situations, it is not the immediate priority when a patient is apneic and has no palpable pulses. In such cases, CPR takes precedence to restore circulation and maintain oxygen delivery to the body's vital organs.
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