Pharmacology Cardiac NCLEX Questions

Pharmacology Cardiac NCLEX Questions

• Increase the serum digoxin sensitivity level - The client is also taking a diuretic that decreases

her potassium level. The nurse expects that a low potassium level (hypokalemia) could have what effect on the digoxin?

• Increase the serum digoxin sensitivity level
• Decrease the serum digoxin sensitivity level
• Not have any effect on the serum digoxin sensitivity level
• Cause a low average serum digoxin sensitivity level

• Headaches - When a client first takes a nitrate, the nurse expects which symptom that often

occurs?

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Stomach cramps
• Irregular pulse rate

• Decrease heart rate and decrease myocardial contractility. - The nurse acknowledges that beta

blockers are as effective as antianginals because they do what?

• Increase oxygen to the systemic circulation.
• Maintain heart rate and blood pressure.
• Decrease heart rate and decrease myocardial contractility.
• Decrease heart rate and increase myocardial contractility.

• The beta blocker should NOT be abruptly stopped; the dose should be tapered down. - The

health care provider is planning to discontinue a client's beta blocker. What instruction should the nurse give the client regarding the beta blocker?

• The beta blocker should be abruptly stopped when another cardiac drug is prescribed.
• The beta blocker should NOT be abruptly stopped; the dose should be tapered down.
• The beta blocker dose should be maintained while taking another antianginal drug.
• Half the beta blocker dose should be taken for the next several weeks.

• To block the beta1-adrenergic receptors in the cardiac tissues - The beta blocker acebutolol

(Sectral) is prescribed for dysrhythmias. The nurse knows that what is the primary purpose of the drug?

• To increase the beta1 and beta2 receptors in the cardiac tissues
• To increase the flow of oxygen to the cardiac tissues
• To block the beta1-adrenergic receptors in the cardiac tissues
• To block the beta2-adrenergic receptors in the cardiac tissues

• Client stating that pain is 0 out of 10 - A nurse is monitoring a client with angina for

therapeutic effects of nitroglycerin. Which assessment finding indicates that the nitroglycerin has been effective?

• Blood pressure 120/80 mm Hg
• Heart rate 70 beats per minute
• ECG without evidence of ST changes
• Client stating that pain is 0 out of 10

• Chest pain - The nurse is monitoring a client during IV nitroglycerin infusion. Which

assessment finding will cause the nurse to take action?

• Blood pressure 110/90 mm Hg
• Flushing
• Headache
• Chest pain

• "I can take up to five tablets at 3-minute intervals for chest pain if necessary." - Which

statement made by the client demonstrates a need for further instruction regarding the use of nitroglycerin?

• "If I get a headache, I should keep taking nitroglycerin and use Tylenol for pain relief."
• "I should keep my nitroglycerin in a cool, dry place."
• "I should change positions slowly to avoid getting dizzy."
• "I can take up to five tablets at 3-minute intervals for chest pain if necessary."

• Client states that she has no chest pain. - Which client assessment would assist the nurse in

evaluating therapeutic effects of a calcium channel blocker?

• Client states that she has no chest pain.
• Client states that the swelling in her feet is reduced.
• Client states the she does not feel dizzy.
• Client states that she feels stronger.

• "It's best to keep it in its original container away from heat and light." - The client asks the

nurse how nitroglycerin should be stored while traveling. What is the nurse's best response?

• "You can protect it from heat by placing the bottle in an ice chest."
• "It's best to keep it in its original container away from heat and light."
• "You can put a few tablets in a resealable bag and carry it in your pocket."
• "It's best to lock them in the glove compartment to keep them away from heat and light."

• "I should sit or lie down after I take a nitroglycerin tablet to prevent dizziness." - Which

statement indicates to the nurse that the client understands sublingual nitroglycerin medication instructions?

• "I will take up to five doses every 3 minutes for chest pain."
• "I can chew the tablet for the quickest effect."
• "I will keep the tablets locked in a safe place until I need them."
• "I should sit or lie down after I take a nitroglycerin tablet to prevent dizziness."

• Heart rate 58 beats per minute - The nurse is monitoring a client taking digoxin (Lanoxin) for

treatment of heart failure. Which assessment finding indicates a therapeutic effect of the drug?

• Heart rate 110 beats per minute
• Heart rate 58 beats per minute
• Urinary output 40 mL/hr
• Blood pressure 90/50 mm Hg

• Evaluate digoxin levels. - A client is taking digoxin (Lanoxin) 0.25 mg and furosemide (Lasix)

40 mg. When the nurse enters the room, the client states, "There are yellow halos around the lights." Which action will the nurse take?

• Evaluate digoxin levels.
• Withhold the furosemide
• Administer potassium.
• Document the findings and reassess in 1 hour.

• Loss of appetite with slight bradycardia - Which assessment finding will alert the nurse to

suspect early digoxin toxicity?

• Loss of appetite with slight bradycardia
• Blood pressure 90/60 mm Hg
• Heart rate 110 beats per minute
• Confusion and diarrhea

• Continuous blood pressures
• Presence of chest pain - What must the nurse monitor when titrating intravenous nitroglycerin

for a client? (Select all that apply.)

• Continuous oxygen saturation
• Continuous blood pressures
• Hourly ECGs
• Presence of chest pain
• Serum nitroglycerin levels
• Visual acuity

• Hypokalemia - A client is taking hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg/day and digoxin 0.25 mg/day.

What type of electrolyte imbalance does the nurse expect to occur?

• Hypocalcemia
• Hypokalemia

• Hyperkalemia
• Hypermagnesemia

• Hydrochlorothiazide - What would cause the same client's electrolyte imbalance?

• High dose of digoxin
• Digoxin taken daily
• Hydrochlorothiazide
• Low dose of hydrochlorothiaizde

• Serum glucose (sugar) - A nurse teaching a client who has diabetes mellitus and is taking

hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg/day. The teaching should include the importance of monitoring which levels?

• Hemoglobin and hematocrit
• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• Arterial blood gases
• Serum glucose (sugar)

• High-ceiling (loop) diuretic - A client has heart failure and is prescribed Lasix. The nurse is

aware that furosemide (Lasix) is what kind of drug?

• Thiazide diuretic
• Osmotic diuretic
• High-ceiling (loop) diuretic
• Potassium-sparing diuretic

• Hypokalemia - The nurse acknowledges that which condition could occur when taking

furosemide?

• Hypokalemia
• Hyperkalemia
• Hypoglycemia
• Hypermagnesemia

• Hyperkalemia - The client has been receiving spironolactone (Aldactone) 50 mg/day for heart

failure. The nurse should closely monitor the client for which condition?

• Hypokalemia
• Hyperkalemia
• Hypoglycemia
• Hypermagnesemia

• Have the client lie down when taking a nitroglycerin sublingual tablet.
• Teach client to repeat taking a tablet in 5 minutes if chest pain persists.