Up to one-third of patients who take ACE inhibitors for hypertension report which symptom after beginning therapy?
Decreased white blood cells.
Swelling of the face and lips.
Chronic cough.
Renal failure.
The Correct Answer is C
ACE inhibitors are a type of medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. They work by blocking the production of a hormone called angiotensin II, which narrows the blood vessels and increases blood pressure. By preventing this hormone from acting, ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart. One of the most common side effects of ACE inhibitors is a dry cough, which occurs in 12–19% of people who take them. The cough is caused by the accumulation of a substance called bradykinin, which is normally broken down by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). When ACE is inhibited, bradykinin levels increase and cause irritation and inflammation in the airways.
Choice A is wrong because decreased white blood cells are not a common side effect of ACE inhibitors.
However, some people may develop a condition called neutropenia, which is a low level of a type of white blood cell called neutrophils. This can increase the risk of infections and may require stopping the medication.
Choice B is wrong because swelling of the face and lips is not a common side effect of ACE inhibitors.
However, some people may develop a rare but serious allergic reaction called angioedema, which is a swelling of the deeper layers of the skin and mucous membranes.
This can affect the face, lips, tongue, throat, or other parts of the body and can cause difficulty breathing or swallowing. Angioedema can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Choice D is wrong because renal failure is not a common side effect of ACE inhibitors.
However, some people may experience a decrease in kidney function or an increase in blood levels of creatinine, which is a waste product filtered by the kidneys.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Urecholine is the brand name of bethanechol, a drug that belongs to the class of cholinergics, genitourinary.
Choice A is wrong because adrenergic drugs are those that activate the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the fight-or-flight response.Adrenergic drugs can cause relaxation of the bladder and urinary retention, not contraction and emptying.
Choice B is wrong because anticholinergic drugs are those that block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that mediates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the rest-and-digest response.Anticholinergic drugs can also cause relaxation of the bladder and urinary retention, not contraction and emptying.
Choice D is wrong because adrenergic blockers are those that inhibit the action of adrenergic receptors, which are activated by adrenergic drugs or by the natural neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine.Adrenergic blockers can have various effects on the bladder depending on the type and location of the receptors they block, but they are not used to treat urinary retention.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Hypokalemia is a condition of low potassium levels in the blood, which can be caused by diuretics such as furosemide (Lasix) that increase the excretion of potassium in the urine. Potassium is an important electrolyte that helps regulate the function of nerves and muscles, including the heart.Low potassium levels can cause symptoms such as confusion, tremors, muscle cramps, and nausea, which are consistent with the patient’s presentation.
Choice B, renal failure, is wrong because furosemide is used to treat fluid retention and edema caused by kidney disease, not to cause it.Renal failure would also cause symptoms such as decreased urine output, swelling, fatigue, and shortness of breath, which are not mentioned in the question.
Choice C, hyperkalemia, is wrong because hyperkalemia is a condition of high potassium levels in the blood, which can be caused by kidney disease or certain medications that decrease the excretion of potassium in the urine.Hyperkalemia can cause symptoms such as weakness, irregular heartbeat, paralysis, and chest pain, which are different from the patient’s symptoms.
Choice D, heart failure, is wrong because furosemide is also used to treat fluid retention and edema caused by heart failure, not to cause it.Heart failure would also cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue, and rapid weight gain, which are not mentioned in the question.
Normal ranges for potassium levels in the blood are 3.5 to 5.0 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) for adults and 3.4 to 4.7 mEq/L for children.
A level below 3.5 mEq/L is considered hypokalemic and a level above 5.0 mEq/L is considered hyperkalemic.
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