Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
Which drug increases the excretion of water and sodium by the kidneys, reducing blood volume and blood pressure?
A. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Choice A is wrong because angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors do not increase the excretion of water and sodium by the kidneys. ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor and stimulator of aldosterone secretion. By reducing angiotensin II levels, ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels and decreasing sodium and water retention.
B. Diuretics
Diuretics are drugs that increase the excretion of water and sodium by the kidneys, reducing blood volume and blood pressure. Diuretics lower blood pressure by dilating peripheral arterioles and decreasing blood volume by increasing the excretion of sodium and water.
C. Adrenergic drugs
Choice C is wrong because adrenergic drugs do not increase the excretion of water and sodium by the kidneys. Adrenergic drugs act on the sympathetic nervous system, which regulates heart rate, blood pressure, and other functions. Depending on the type and location of adrenergic receptors, adrenergic drugs can have different effects on blood pressure. Some adrenergic drugs can increase blood pressure by stimulating alpha receptors, which cause vasoconstriction. Other adrenergic drugs can decrease blood pressure by stimulating beta receptors, which cause vasodilation and decreased cardiac output.
D. Direct acting vasodilators.
Choice D is wrong because direct acting vasodilators do not increase the excretion of water and sodium by the kidneys. Direct acting vasodilators are drugs that relax the smooth muscle of blood vessels, causing them to widen and lower blood pressure. Direct acting vasodilators do not affect the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system or the sympathetic nervous system, which regulate sodium and water balance.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - More questions. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Diuretics are drugs that increase the excretion of water and sodium by the kidneys, reducing blood volume and blood pressure. Diuretics lower blood pressure by dilating peripheral arterioles and decreasing blood volume by increasing the excretion of sodium and water.
Choice A is wrong because angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors do not increase the excretion of water and sodium by the kidneys. ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor and stimulator of aldosterone secretion. By reducing angiotensin II levels, ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels and decreasing sodium and water retention.
Choice C is wrong because adrenergic drugs do not increase the excretion of water and sodium by the kidneys. Adrenergic drugs act on the sympathetic nervous system, which regulates heart rate, blood pressure, and other functions. Depending on the type and location of adrenergic receptors, adrenergic drugs can have different effects on blood pressure. Some adrenergic drugs can increase blood pressure by stimulating alpha receptors, which cause vasoconstriction. Other adrenergic drugs can decrease blood pressure by stimulating beta receptors, which cause vasodilation and decreased cardiac output.
Choice D is wrong because direct acting vasodilators do not increase the excretion of water and sodium by the kidneys. Direct acting vasodilators are drugs that relax the smooth muscle of blood vessels, causing them to widen and lower blood pressure. Direct acting vasodilators do not affect the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system or the sympathetic nervous system, which regulate sodium and water balance.
Similar Questions
Which drugs act on the sympathetic nervous system, which regulates blood pressure by controlling heart rate, cardiac output, vascular tone, and renin release?
A. Beta blockers
Beta blockers are drugs that inhibit the sympathetic nervous system by blocking the beta adrenergic receptors, which are responsible for increasing heart rate and contractility. Beta blockers can lower blood pressure and reduce cardiac workload.
B. Calcium channel blockers
Calcium channel blockers are drugs that inhibit the movement of calcium ions across the cell membrane of smooth muscle cells, which are found in blood vessels and the heart.Calcium channel blockers can relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure, as well as reduce heart rate and contractility.
C. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are drugs that block the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes vasoconstriction and stimulates the release of aldosterone, which increases sodium and water retention.
D. Direct acting vasodilators
E. Adrenergic drugs.
These are drugs that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system by mimicking or enhancing the effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine, the chemical messengers that activate adrenergic receptors.Adrenergic drugs can increase blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output, vascular tone, and renin release by acting on different types of adrenergic receptors.
Full Explanation
Adrenergic drugs. These are drugs that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system by mimicking or enhancing the effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine, the chemical messengers that activate adrenergic receptors. Adrenergic drugs can increase blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output, vascular tone, and renin release by acting on different types of adrenergic receptors.
Choice A is wrong because beta blockers are drugs that inhibit the sympathetic nervous system by blocking the beta adrenergic receptors, which are responsible for increasing heart rate and contractility. Beta blockers can lower blood pressure and reduce cardiac workload.
Choice B is wrong because calcium channel blockers are drugs that inhibit the movement of calcium ions across the cell membrane of smooth muscle cells, which are found in blood vessels and the heart. Calcium channel blockers can relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure, as well as reduce heart rate and contractility.
Choice C is wrong because angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are drugs that block the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes vasoconstriction and stimulates the release of aldosterone, which increases sodium and water retention.
ARBs can lower blood pressure by dilating blood
A patient with atrial fibrillation has been prescribed digoxin (Lanoxin). The nurse should monitor which laboratory value to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness?
A. Serum potassium level
Digoxin (Lanoxin) is a cardiac glycoside that is used to treat atrial fibrillation and heart failure. It works by increasing the force of cardiac contraction and slowing down the heart rate. However, digoxin can also cause toxicity, which can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias. One of the risk factors for digoxin toxicity is hypokalemia, or low serum potassium level. Potassium is an electrolyte that is essential for normal cardiac function and conduction.When the serum potassium level is low, digoxin binds more strongly to the cardiac cells and increases its effects, which can result in bradycardia, heart block, or ventricular tachycardia. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the serum potassium level to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of digoxin therapy.
B. Serum sodium level
Serum sodium level is wrong because sodium is not directly related to digoxin action or toxicity. Sodium is another electrolyte that is important for fluid balance and blood pressure regulation.However, sodium does not affect the binding of digoxin to the cardiac cells or its effects on the heart rate and contractility. Therefore, the nurse does not need to monitor the serum sodium level to evaluate digoxin therapy.
C. Serum magnesium level
Serum magnesium level is wrong because magnesium is not directly related to digoxin action or toxicity. Magnesium is another electrolyte that is involved in many enzymatic reactions and neuromuscular function.However, magnesium does not affect the binding of digoxin to the cardiac cells or its effects on the heart rate and contractility. Therefore, the nurse does not need to monitor the serum magnesium level to evaluate digoxin therapy.
D. Serum calcium level.
Serum calcium level is wrong because calcium is not directly related to digoxin action or toxicity. Calcium is another electrolyte that is essential for bone health and muscle contraction.However, calcium does not affect the binding of digoxin to the cardiac cells or its effects on the heart rate and contractility. Therefore, the nurse does not need to monitor the serum calcium level to evaluate digoxin therapy.
Full Explanation
Digoxin (Lanoxin) is a cardiac glycoside that is used to treat atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
It works by increasing the force of cardiac contraction and slowing down the heart rate.
However, digoxin can also cause toxicity, which can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias.
One of the risk factors for digoxin toxicity is hypokalemia, or low serum potassium level.
Potassium is an electrolyte that is essential for normal cardiac function and conduction. When the serum potassium level is low, digoxin binds more strongly to the cardiac cells and increases its effects, which can result in bradycardia, heart block, or ventricular tachycardia.
Therefore, the nurse should monitor the serum potassium level to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of digoxin therapy.
Choice B) Serum sodium level is wrong because sodium is not directly related to digoxin action or toxicity.
Sodium is another electrolyte that is important for fluid balance and blood pressure regulation. However, sodium does not affect the binding of digoxin to the cardiac cells or its effects on the heart rate and contractility.
Therefore, the nurse does not need to monitor the serum sodium level to evaluate digoxin therapy.
Choice C) Serum magnesium level is wrong because magnesium is not directly related to digoxin action or toxicity.
Magnesium is another electrolyte that is involved in many enzymatic reactions and neuromuscular function. However, magnesium does not affect the binding of digoxin to the cardiac cells or its effects on the heart rate and contractility.
Therefore, the nurse does not need to monitor the serum magnesium level to evaluate digoxin therapy.
Choice D) Serum calcium level is wrong because calcium is not directly related to digoxin action or toxicity.
Calcium is another electrolyte that is essential for bone health and muscle contraction. However, calcium does not affect the binding of digoxin to the cardiac cells or its effects on the heart rate and contractility.
Therefore, the nurse does not need to monitor the serum calcium level to evaluate digoxin therapy.
The normal range for serum potassium level is 3.5-5.0 mEq
The nurse is caring for a patient with atrial fibrillation who has been prescribed warfarin (Coumadin). The patient’s INR level is 3.5, which is above therapeutic range. What action should the nurse take?
A. Administer vitamin K as ordered by physician
Administer vitamin K as ordered by physician is wrong because vitamin K is not indicated unless the physician orders it based on the patient’s condition and INR level. Vitamin K is an antidote for warfarin overdose and can reverse its anticoagulant effects. However, administering vitamin K without a physician’s order may cause the INR to drop below the therapeutic range and increase the risk of clotting.
B. Administer heparin as ordered by physician
Administer heparin as ordered by physician is wrong because heparin is another anticoagulant that works by activating antithrombin, a natural inhibitor of clotting factors. Heparin is used for acute treatment of thromboembolic disorders, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. It is not indicated for atrial fibrillation unless there is evidence of acute thrombosis. Administering heparin to a patient with an elevated INR would increase the risk of bleeding.
C. Administer warfarin as ordered by physician
Administer warfarin as ordered by physician is wrong because warfarin is the cause of the elevated INR and should be withheld until the INR returns to the therapeutic range. Continuing to administer warfarin would further increase the INR and the risk of bleeding.
D. Hold warfarin and notify physician.
Warfarin is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clots from forming or growing larger. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver. The INR (international normalized ratio) is a measure of how long it takes the blood to clot.The therapeutic range for INR depends on the indication for warfarin therapy, but for atrial fibrillation, it is usually between 2 and 3. An INR level of 3.5 is above the therapeutic range, which means the blood is too thin and the patient is at risk of bleeding. The nurse should hold the warfarin dose and notify the physician, who may order vitamin K to reverse the effects of warfarin.
Full Explanation
Warfarin is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clots from forming or growing larger. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver. The INR (international normalized ratio) is a measure of how long it takes the blood to clot. The therapeutic range for INR depends on the indication for warfarin therapy, but for atrial fibrillation, it is usually between 2 and 3. An INR level of 3.5 is above the therapeutic range, which means the blood is too thin and the patient is at risk of bleeding. The nurse should hold the warfarin dose and notify the physician, who may order vitamin K to reverse the effects of warfarin.
Choice A) Administer vitamin K as ordered by physician is wrong because vitamin K is not indicated unless the physician orders it based on the patient’s condition and INR level.
Vitamin K is an antidote for warfarin overdose and can reverse its anticoagulant effects.
However, administering vitamin K without a physician’s order may cause the INR to drop below the therapeutic range and increase the risk of clotting.
Choice B) Administer heparin as ordered by physician is wrong because heparin is another anticoagulant that works by activating antithrombin, a natural inhibitor of clotting factors.
Heparin is used for acute treatment of thromboembolic disorders, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
It is not indicated for atrial fibrillation unless there is evidence of acute thrombosis.
Administering heparin to a patient with an elevated INR would increase the risk of bleeding.
Choice C) Administer warfarin as ordered by physician is wrong because warfarin is the cause of the elevated INR and should be withheld until the INR returns to the therapeutic range.
Continuing to administer warfarin would further increase the INR and the risk of bleeding.