When administering an antianginal drug such as nitroglycerin (NTG) the nurse identifies which as the most common response.
Bradycardia
Tachycardia
Hypotension
Dry mouth
The Correct Answer is C
A) Bradycardia
Bradycardia (a slow heart rate) is not the most common response to nitroglycerin (NTG). While NTG can affect heart rate in some individuals, its primary action is related to blood vessels, and it typically leads to vasodilation, which more commonly results in reflex tachycardia (an increased heart rate), rather than bradycardia.
B) Tachycardia
Tachycardia (an increased heart rate) can occur as a compensatory mechanism when nitroglycerin causes vasodilation and a decrease in blood pressure. However, this is more of a secondary effect. The primary action of nitroglycerin is to lower blood pressure (by dilating blood vessels), and in response to the lowered blood pressure, the body may try to compensate by increasing the heart rate.
C) Hypotension
The most common and primary response to nitroglycerin (NTG) administration is hypotension. Nitroglycerin works by relaxing smooth muscle in blood vessels, leading to vasodilation (widening of blood vessels). This reduces the amount of work the heart has to do and lowers the overall blood pressure. Hypotension is expected as part of the therapeutic effect of NTG, especially with a larger dose or rapid administration (e.g., sublingual NTG).
D) Dry mouth
While many medications can cause dry mouth (especially anticholinergic drugs), nitroglycerin is not typically associated with this issue. Its primary action is vasodilation, and while it can cause other symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and hypotension, dry mouth is not considered a common or significant effect.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Esophagus
Enteric-coated tablets are designed to not dissolve or disintegrate in the esophagus. They are coated with a protective layer that prevents the tablet from breaking down in the acidic environment of the stomach. This is to ensure that the medication is released in the part of the digestive tract where it is most needed, typically beyond the stomach.
B) Duodenum
Enteric-coated tablets are designed to disintegrate in the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. The coating protects the tablet from stomach acid, allowing it to pass intact through the stomach and into the small intestine, where the pH is higher and the coating dissolves, releasing the medication for absorption.
C) Stomach
Enteric-coated tablets are specifically designed not to disintegrate in the stomach because the stomach's acidic environment could either damage the drug or cause premature release. The coating ensures that the drug is protected until it reaches the more neutral pH of the duodenum.
D) Colon
The colon is too far along in the digestive tract for enteric-coated tablets to typically disintegrate. The design of enteric coatings is intended to protect the drug until it reaches the duodenum, where absorption is most efficient. Enteric coatings are not meant to disintegrate in the colon.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Age, weight, and sex:
Age, weight, and sex are key factors that significantly affect an individual's physiological response to drug use. These factors influence how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and excretes medications. For example, older adults may have slower metabolism and decreased renal function, requiring dosage adjustments. Body weight can affect the distribution of drugs, with heavier individuals potentially requiring higher doses for the same therapeutic effect. Sex also plays a role, as men and women can have differences in drug absorption and metabolism due to hormonal and physiological variations.
B) Marital status and family history:
Marital status and family history do not directly affect the physiological response to medications in the way that biological factors like age, weight, and sex do. While family history may provide insights into genetic predispositions for certain diseases, it does not significantly impact the pharmacodynamics of most medications. Marital status is largely a social factor and does not influence drug metabolism or effects.
C) Diet and exercise:
Diet and exercise can influence drug absorption and metabolism to some extent, but they are not as direct or universal in their impact as factors like age, weight, and sex. For example, high-fat meals can delay the absorption of certain medications, and exercise can affect the metabolism of some drugs. However, these are secondary factors compared to biological characteristics such as age and weight that directly alter how the body processes drugs.
D) Socioeconomic status and education level:
While socioeconomic status and education level can influence medication adherence and access to healthcare, they do not directly affect the body's physiological response to drugs. These factors may affect how a patient manages their health or accesses medical care, but they do not influence the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of drugs in the body.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
