Which medication is recognized by the Registered Nurse (RN) as a dilator for both arteries and veins?
Norepinephrine
Nitroglycerin
Nitroprusside sodium (Nitropress)
Lidocaine
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Norepinephrine is a potent vasoconstrictor, meaning it narrows blood vessels. It primarily acts on arteries, but it can also constrict veins to a lesser extent.
Its primary actions are to increase systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure.
It is often used in conditions such as shock to raise blood pressure and improve perfusion to vital organs.
It is not a vasodilator and would not be appropriate for a patient requiring dilation of both arteries and veins.
Choice B rationale:
Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that primarily acts on veins. It relaxes the smooth muscle in the walls of veins, which allows them to dilate and hold more blood.
This reduces the amount of blood returning to the heart, which in turn lowers preload and reduces cardiac workload.
Nitroglycerin is often used to treat angina pectoris, a condition characterized by chest pain due to insufficient blood flow to the heart.
While it can also have some vasodilatory effects on arteries, its primary action is on veins.
Choice C rationale:
Nitroprusside sodium (Nitropress) is a potent vasodilator that acts on both arteries and veins. It directly relaxes smooth muscle in the blood vessel walls, leading to dilation.
It is a very powerful vasodilator and can rapidly lower blood pressure.
It is often used in hypertensive emergencies to quickly reduce blood pressure and improve cardiac function.
It is also used in conditions such as congestive heart failure and acute aortic dissection to reduce afterload and improve cardiac output.
Choice D rationale:
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic agent that is primarily used to block nerve conduction. It does not have any direct vasodilatory effects.
It is sometimes used in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, but its mechanism of action in this setting is not related to vasodilation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Respiratory distress is not a direct side effect of metformin. While metformin can cause a rare condition called lactic acidosis, which can lead to rapid breathing, respiratory distress is not a primary concern with metformin use.
Respiratory distress typically involves difficulty breathing due to other causes such as asthma, pneumonia, heart failure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Choice B rationale:
Seizures are not a known side effect of metformin.
Seizures are typically associated with neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, or metabolic disturbances such as hypoglycemia or electrolyte imbalances.
Metformin does not directly affect the central nervous system in a way that would increase the risk of seizures.
Choice C rationale:
Lactic acidosis:
This is a rare but serious condition that can occur with metformin use.
It happens when lactic acid builds up in the bloodstream, causing the blood to become too acidic. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include:
Rapid breathing Nausea and vomiting Abdominal pain Muscle weakness Unusual sleepiness Feeling cold
Risk factors for lactic acidosis in patients taking metformin include:
Kidney disease Congestive heart failure Liver disease Dehydration
Excessive alcohol intake Recent surgery or heart attack
It's important to note that lactic acidosis is rare, occurring in about 3 to 10 cases per 100,000 people taking metformin per year.
Renal failure:
Metformin is primarily eliminated by the kidneys.
If kidney function is impaired, metformin can build up in the body, increasing the risk of lactic acidosis. Additionally, metformin can potentially cause kidney damage in rare cases, further worsening kidney function. It's crucial to monitor kidney function regularly in patients taking metformin.
Choice D rationale:
Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) is not a side effect of metformin.
In fact, metformin is a medication used to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It works by:
Decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver Improving the body's sensitivity to insulin
Slowing the absorption of glucose from the intestines
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin that begins to work within 15 minutes of injection. If administered 15 minutes after eating, it may not be able to effectively control the rise in blood glucose levels that occurs after a meal. This could lead to hyperglycemia, which can have negative short-term and long-term health consequences.
Administering insulin lispro 15 minutes after eating would delay its action and potentially lead to suboptimal blood glucose control. It's crucial to match the timing of insulin administration with the meal to ensure optimal glucose management.
Choice C rationale:
Administering insulin lispro 10 minutes after eating would also delay its action. While not as delayed as 15 minutes, it still wouldn't align with the peak of meal-related glucose absorption, potentially leading to suboptimal glucose control.
Choice D rationale:
Insulin lispro has a shorter duration of action compared to regular insulin. Administering it 30 minutes before eating could lead to hypoglycemia, a condition characterized by low blood glucose levels. Hypoglycemia can cause a variety of symptoms, including shakiness, sweating, dizziness, confusion, and even loss of consciousness.
It's essential to closely align the timing of rapid-acting insulins like insulin lispro with mealtimes to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia.
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.