Why is acute pain particularly dangerous for a patient having a heart attack?
Release of prostaglandins lowers the patient’s heart rate and blood pressure.
Release of substance P narrows the airways and leads to hypoxemia.
Release of endorphins causes dangerous elevation of blood pressure.
Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system will increase cardiac workload.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because release of prostaglandins lowers the patient’s heart rate and blood pressure is not a reason why acute pain is particularly dangerous for a patient having a heart attack. Prostaglandins are inflammatory mediators that are involved in pain perception and modulation, but they do not have a direct effect on the heart rate and blood pressure. In fact, some prostaglandins may have a protective role in the cardiovascular system by preventing platelet aggregation and vasodilation.
Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because release of substance P narrows the airways and leads to hypoxemia is not a reason why acute pain is particularly dangerous for a patient having a heart attack. Substance P is a neuropeptide that is involved in pain transmission and modulation, but it does not have a significant effect on the airways or the oxygen level. Substance P may cause bronchoconstriction in some patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but this is not a common or serious complication of acute pain.
Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because release of endorphins causes dangerous elevation of blood pressure is not a reason why acute pain is particularly dangerous for a patient having a heart attack. Endorphins are endogenous opioids that are involved in pain inhibition and modulation, but they do not have a major effect on the blood pressure. Endorphins may cause a slight increase in blood pressure by activating the opioid receptors in the brainstem, but this is not a significant or harmful response to acute pain.
Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system will increase cardiac workload is a reason why acute pain is particularly dangerous for a patient having a heart attack. The sympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system that is responsible for the fight-or-flight response, which is triggered by acute pain. The sympathetic nervous system will increase the heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac contractility, which will increase the oxygen demand and consumption of the heart. This will worsen the ischemia and injury of the myocardium, and may lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or cardiac arrest.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct choice because utilizing a no-rinse shampoo cap is the best option for washing the patient’s hair who has just undergone shoulder replacement surgery. A no-rinse shampoo cap is a disposable cap that contains a pre-moistened shampoo and conditioner. It can be heated in a microwave and applied to the patient's head without the need for water or rinsing. It can clean and condition the patient's hair without causing any discomfort or movement of the affected shoulder.
Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because using a handheld shower sprayer is not the best option for washing the patient’s hair who has just undergone shoulder replacement surgery. A handheld shower sprayer is a device that attaches to a faucet and allows the user to direct the water flow. It can be difficult and painful for the patient to use or hold the sprayer with the affected shoulder, and it can also wet the surgical dressing or incision site.
Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because having the patient lean over the wash basin is not the best option for washing the patient’s hair who has just undergone shoulder replacement surgery. A wash basin is a bowl or sink that contains water and soap for washing. It can be uncomfortable and risky for the patient to lean over the basin with the affected shoulder, and it can also wet the surgical dressing or incision site.
Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because having the patient lean back into the sink is not the best option for washing the patient’s hair who has just undergone shoulder replacement surgery. A sink is a basin with a faucet that provides water for washing. It can be uncomfortable and risky for the patient to lean back into the sink with the affected shoulder, and it can also wet the surgical dressing or incision site.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. The patient frequently using an alcohol-based sanitizer for hand hygiene does not pose a risk for poisoning. Alcohol-based sanitizers are safe and effective for reducing the transmission of germs.
Choice B reason: This is correct. The patient taking acetaminophen 1000 mg every 4 hours around the clock poses a risk for poisoning. Acetaminophen is a common over-the-counter pain reliever that can cause liver damage or failure if taken in excess or for a prolonged period of time. The maximum daily dose of acetaminophen for adults is 4000 mg.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. The patient taking alprazolam 0.25 mg every 3 hours does not pose a risk for poisoning. Alprazolam is a prescription medication that belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. It is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or dependence, but not poisoning.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. The patient rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash after brushing the teeth does not pose a risk for poisoning. Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay and strengthen the enamel. It is added to many dental products and public water supplies. It can cause mild stomach upset if swallowed in large amounts, but not poisoning.
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