Pharmacology Cardiovascular Drugs NClex

Pharmacology Cardiovascular Drugs NClex Questions

• 0.5 to 2.0 ng/mL - A newly admitted client takes digoxin 0.25 mg/day. The nurse knows that

which is the serum therapeutic range for digoxin?

• 0.1 to 1.5 ng/mL
• 0.5 to 2.0 ng/mL
• 1.0 to 2.5 ng/mL
• 2.0 to 4.0 ng/mL

• It is in the high (elevated) range. - The client's serum digoxin level is 3.0 ng/mL. What does

the nurse know about this serum digoxin level?

• It is in the high (elevated) range.
• It is in the low (decreased) range.
• It is within the normal range.
• It is in the low average range.

• Pulse below 60 beats/min and irregular rate - The nurse is assessing the client for possible

evidence of digitalis toxicity. The nurse acknowledges that which is included in the signs and symptoms for digitalis toxicity?

• Pulse (heart) rate of 100 beats/min
• Pulse of 72 with an irregular rate
• Pulse greater than 60 beats/min and irregular rate
• Pulse below 60 beats/min and irregular rate

• 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

• "Apply the patch to a nonhairy area of the upper torso or arm." - A client is to be discharged

home with a transdermal nitroglycerin patch. Which instruction will the nurse include in the client's teaching plan?

• "Apply the patch to a nonhairy area of the upper torso or arm."
• "Apply the patch to the same site each day."
• "If you have a headache, remove the patch for 4 hours and then reapply."
• "If you have chest pain, apply a second patch next to the first patch."

• 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.

• "This medication will work for 24 hours and you will need to change the patch daily." - What

statement is the most important for the nurse to include in the teaching plan for a client who has started on a transdermal nitroglycerin patch?

• "This medication works faster than sublingual nitroglycerin works."
• "This medication is the strongest of any nitroglycerin preparation available."
• "This medication should be used only when you are experiencing chest pain."
• "This medication will work for 24 hours and you will need to change the patch daily."

• Apply the nitroglycerin patch for 14 hours and remove it for 10 hours at night. - What will the

nurse instruct the client to do to prevent the development of tolerance to nitroglycerin?

• Apply the nitroglycerin patch every other day.
• Switch to sublingual nitroglycerin when the client's systolic blood pressure elevates to more

than 140 mm Hg.

• Apply the nitroglycerin patch for 14 hours and remove it for 10 hours at night.
• Use the nitroglycerin patch for acute episodes of angina only.

• Assess blood pressure. - Before the nurse administers isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur), what is

a priority nursing assessment?

• Assess serum electrolytes.
• Measure blood urea nitrogen and creatinine.
• Assess blood pressure.
• Monitor level of consciousness.

• "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."

• Apply the ointment to a nonhairy part of the upper torso. - What instruction should the nurse

provide to the client who needs to apply nitroglycerin ointment?

• Use the fingers to spread the ointment evenly over a 3-inch area.
• Apply the ointment to a nonhairy part of the upper torso.
• Massage the ointment into the skin.
• Cover the application paper with ointment before use.

• Decrease the intravenous nitroglycerin by 10 mcg/min. - A client receiving intravenous

nitroglycerin at 20 mcg/min complains of dizziness. Nursing assessment reveals a blood pressure of 85/40 mm Hg, heart rate of 110 beats/min, and respiratory rate of 16 breaths/min. What is the nurse's priority action?

• Assess the client's lung sounds.
• Decrease the intravenous nitroglycerin by 10 mcg/min.
• Stop the nitroglycerin infusion for 1 hour, and then restart.
• Recheck the client's vital signs in 15 minutes but continue the infusion.

• 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