Which physiological response will the nurse expect to assess in patients taking hydralazine (Apresoline), which is a vasodilator medication?

Choice A reason: The cells of the myocardium become hypertrophic in response to increased workload or pressure, not as a result of myocardial infarction. Hypertrophy is an adaptive mechanism that can lead to impaired ventricular function over time.

Choice B reason: The resulting hypoxia leads to ischemic injury and myocardial cell death. This is the main cause of impaired ventricular function after a myocardial infarction. The loss of viable myocardial tissue reduces the contractility and pumping ability of the heart.

Choice C reason: There is a temporary alteration in electrolyte balance that can be corrected. This is not the primary cause of impaired ventricular function after a myocardial infarction. Electrolyte imbalance can occur due to fluid loss, renal impairment, or medication side effects, but it can be managed with appropriate interventions.

Choice D reason: There is too much pressure on the heart and the ventricles begin to dysfunction. This is not the direct cause of impaired ventricular function after a myocardial infarction. Increased pressure on the heart can result from hypertension, valvular disease, or pulmonary embolism, but it is not related to myocardial ischemia or necrosis.

Choice A reason: Decrease in wheezing present on auscultation indicates that albuterol was effective. Albuterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes the smooth muscles of the airways and reduces the airway resistance. This improves the airflow and reduces the wheezing sound that is caused by the turbulent flow of air through the narrowed airways.

Choice B reason: Respiratory rate increased to 38 breaths/min does not indicate that albuterol was effective. It indicates that the patient is still experiencing respiratory distress and hypoxia. The normal respiratory rate for adults is 12 to 20 breaths/min. A high respiratory rate can also be a side effect of albuterol, as it can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and increase the heart rate and blood pressure.

Choice C reason: Sputum production is clear and watery does not indicate that albuterol was effective. It indicates that the patient has a productive cough and is expelling mucus from the lungs. Sputum production is not directly affected by albuterol, as it does not have anti-inflammatory or mucolytic properties.

Choice D reason: Use of neck muscles does not indicate that albuterol was effective. It indicates that the patient is using accessory muscles to breathe and is exerting more effort to inhale. This is a sign of severe respiratory distress and airway obstruction. Albuterol should relieve the bronchospasm and reduce the need for accessory muscle use.