Which administration strategy can a patient implement to reduce flushing, the most common adverse effect of niacin therapy?

Alpha 1 adrenergic blocking agents have a vasodilating effect and can be used for the management of hypertension. They work by blocking the alpha 1 receptors on the vascular smooth muscle, which normally cause vasoconstriction when stimulated by catecholamines like epinephrine and norepinephrine.By preventing this constriction, alpha 1 blockers lower the peripheral resistance and blood pressure

Choice A is wrong because alpha 3 adrenergic blockers do not exist.There are only two types of alpha receptors: alpha 1 and alpha 2

Choice B is wrong because alpha 2 adrenergic antagonists do not have a vasodilating effect.

They block the alpha 2 receptors, which are located presynaptically on the sympathetic nerve terminals and postsynaptically on some vascular smooth muscle cells.Alpha 2 receptors inhibit the release of norepinephrine when activated, so blocking them would increase the sympathetic activity and vasoconstriction

Choice C is wrong because alpha 1 adrenergic agonists do not have a vasodilating effect.

They stimulate the alpha 1 receptors, which cause vasoconstriction and increase the blood pressure.Alpha 1 agonists are used to treat hypotension and nasal congestion

This is because digoxin can cause bradycardia (slow heart rate) as a side effect, which can be dangerous and require dose adjustment or discontinuation of the medication.Digoxin helps make the heart beat stronger and with a more regular rhythm by inhibiting sodium-potassium ATPase in cardiac cells.It is used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation.

Choice A is wrong because increasing sodium intake can worsen fluid retention and exacerbate heart failure symptoms.Patients with heart failure should follow a low-sodium diet to reduce the workload on the heart.

Choice B is wrong because checking pulse rate for 30 seconds and multiplying result by 2 is not accurate enough to monitor the effects of digoxin.

Patients taking digoxin should check their pulse rate for one full minute before taking each dose and record it daily.If the pulse rate is too fast or too slow, they should contact their provider.

Choice C is wrong because taking digoxin with food may reduce its absorption and effectiveness.Digoxin should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after a meal.If nausea occurs, it may be a sign of digoxin toxicity and should be reported to the provider.