Competitive antagonism of which of the following occurs at ß receptor sites?         A. Catecholamines      B. Adrenergic sites      C. Acetylcholine      D. Norepinephrine           Correct Answer: A. Catecholamines Catecholamine receptor sites are blocked by the action of ß-blocking agents. Both epinephrine and norepinephrine modulate metabolism to increase blood glucose levels… Read More »

The action of medication is inotropic when it:         A. Decreased afterload.      B. Increases heart rate.      C. Increases the force of contraction.      D. Is used to treat CHF.           Correct Answer: C. Increases the force of contraction. Inotropic drugs increase the force of contraction. Preload, not afterload, is decreased.… Read More »

ß blockers should be avoided in which of the following conditions?         A. Bronchoconstriction      B. Hypertension      C. Angina      D. Myocardial infarction           Correct Answer: A. Bronchoconstriction ß blockers should be avoided in bronchoconstrictive disease. Traditionally, beta-blockers have been contraindicated in asthmatic patients. However, recommendations have aligned for allowing cardio-selective… Read More »

As a knowledgeable nurse, you know that the action of nitrates is:         A. Smooth muscle contraction      B. Vasoconstriction      C. Smooth muscle relaxation      D. Increase preload           Correct Answer: C. Smooth muscle relaxation Nitrates cause smooth muscle relaxation, vasodilation, reduction of preload, and improved blood flow to the myocardium.… Read More »

A 50-year-old client is prescribed to take nitrate each day for his condition. As a competent nurse, you know the result of nitrate administration is:         A. Decreased myocardial oxygen demand.      B. Increased myocardial oxygen demand.      C. Increased left ventricular end-diastolic volume.      D. Increased atrial pressure.           Correct Answer:… Read More »

A student nurse is asked to give an example of a long-acting nitrate. He is correct by saying:         A. Nitroglycerin sublingual      B. Nitroglycerin IV      C. Isosorbide PO      D. Nitroglycerin transmucosal           Correct Answer: C. Isosorbide PO Isosorbide is one of the most frequently administered long-acting nitrates. PO nitrates… Read More »

When nitrates are administered early to the acute MI client, the effect is:         A. Hypotension      B. Bradycardia      C. Reduced mortality      D. Reduced morbidity           Correct Answer: C. Reduced mortality Research has shown that when nitrates are administered early to the acute MI client, the effect is reduced mortality,… Read More »

When teaching about nitrate administration, the nurse should instruct the client to:         A. Change position slowly.      B. Take a pulse daily.      C. Reduce salt intake.      D. Chew the sustained-release tablets.           Correct Answer: A. Change position slowly. Clients taking nitrates should change position slowly to avoid orthostatic hypotension.… Read More »

ACEs participate in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system to have which of the following physiologic effects?         A. Inhibit conversion of angiotensin II to angiotensin I.      B. Vasoconstriction and sodium depletion.      C. Promote sodium and water retention.      D. Stimulate vasodilation and inhibit sodium depletion.           Correct Answer: C. Promote sodium and… Read More »

Nurse Margie just administered an ACE inhibitor to her client. Before ambulating the client for the first time after administration, the nurse should monitor for:         A. Hypokalemia      B. Irregular heartbeat      C. Edema      D. Hypotension           Correct Answer: D. Hypotension ACE inhibitors prevent vasoconstriction and lower blood pressure, placing… Read More »