Which of the following clients is most likely to experience adverse effects from treatment with diuretics?
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Solution
A 75-year-old man
Elderly clients are more sensitive to the effects of diuretics.
All potassium-sparing diuretics:
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Solution
Are weak diuretics
Potassium-sparing diuretics are not potent diuretics when used alone. They are used as adjunctive therapy with other diuretics to minimize potassium loss. Potassium-sparing diuretics given during blood transfusions tend to cause hyperkalemia because potassium is present in the transfusion. These drugs block aldosterone’s effects. These drugs cause hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia.
A 68-year-old client with a history of mild CHF and glaucoma is receiving IV mannitol (Osmitrol) to decrease intraocular pressure. The nurse would monitor the client for signs and symptoms of:
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Solution
Fluid volume excess
Mannitol‘s osmotic effect extends to the bloodstream, where increased osmotic pressure draws fluid into the vascular space, thus elevating intravascular volume.
Which of the following is a potential side effect of IV furosemide (Lasix)?
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Solution
Hearing loss
Patients receiving large doses of loop diuretics are at risk for developing ototoxicity.
A clinical instructor asks a nursing student about aldosterone antagonist. The student is correct by saying that aldosterone antagonists:
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Solution
Inhibit the exchange of sodium for potassium
Aldosterone antagonists compete with endogenous aldosterone and prevent sodium reabsorption in exchange for potassium elimination. Aldosterone antagonists work on inhibiting the action of aldosterone rather than creating an osmotic gradient. Aldosterone antagonist do not cause metabolic acidosis. Aldosterone antagonists must work in the presence of endogenous aldosterone.
For a client taking drugs to treat peripheral vascular disease, it is important to provide health education about:
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Solution
All of the above
An important component in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease is health education on preventing further injury to ischemic tissues. Medication therapy is only one aspect.
In a 50-year-old widower who had a transient ischemic attack, what is the most common vasodilator used for his treatment?
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Solution
nitroprusside (Nitropress)
Nitroprusside (Nitropress) is used in this situation. A and B are sympathomimetics used to treat hypotension. Papaverine is contraindicated in myocardial depressant states.
The drug/drugs used most commonly to treat peripheral or cerebral vascular obstructive disease is/are:
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Solution
All of the above
All are vasodilators used primarily to treat peripheral or cerebral vascular obstructive disease.
As a competent nurse, you are aware that vasodilators are used mainly to treat:
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Solution
Hypertension
Vasodilators are used to treat hypertension. They are not used to treat diabetes. Atrial fibrillation is not treated with vasodilators. Vasodilators are not used to treat hypotension.
Raymund is reviewing on cardiovascular drugs for his upcoming exam. For a well-prepared student, he should know that vasodilators are agents that:
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Solution
Relax smooth muscles
Vasodilators relax smooth muscle. They are used to treat hypertension, not hypotension. Stimulating the adrenergic receptors of peripheral sympathetic nerves causes blood vessels to contract. Choice D is not an action of vasodilators.