Deck 21: Drugs for Hypertension

Question 1

The client is receiving doxazosin (Cardura) for hypertension. He asks the nurse how the medication works. What is the nurse's best response?

A) "It works by making your blood vessels expand."
B) "It works by causing your kidneys to excrete more urine."
C) "It works by making your heart work more efficiently."
D) "It works by decreasing the release of your stress hormones."

Answer 1

"It works by making your blood vessels expand."

Question 2

The client is receiving hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Urozide) as well digoxin (Lanoxin). Which lab result would the nurse recognize as most significant?

A) BUN level of 2.5 -8.0 mmol/L
B) potassium level of 2.9 mmol/L
C) ALT level of 3 -36 U/L
D) sodium level of 140 mmol/L

Answer 2

potassium level of 2.9 mmol/L

Question 3

The client comes to the emergency department with a blood pressure of 200/120 mm/Hg. The physician orders hydralazine (Apresoline) IV. What will the nurse's priority assessment include?

A) hypotension and tachycardia
B) hypotension and hyperthermia
C) hypotension and tachypnea
D) hypotension and bradycardia

Answer 3

hypotension and tachycardia

Question 4

The client receives hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Urozide). He tells the nurse he is urinating a lot and questions how this drug affects his blood pressure. What is the best response by the nurse?

A) "Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Urozide) enhances kidney function causing you to urinate more and that decreases your blood pressure."
B) "Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Urozide) decreases the fluid in your bloodstream and this lowers your blood pressure."
C) "Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Urozide) dilates your blood vessels so you urinate more and your blood pressure decreases."
D) "Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Urozide) increases your heart rate; this pumps blood faster to your kidneys so you urinate more and your blood pressure decreases."

Question 5

The nurse is teaching the client about lifestyle modifications to help manage the client's hypertension. The nurse determines that teaching has been effective when the client makes which statement?"

A) "I need to get started on my medications right away."
B) "I know I need to give up my cigarettes and alcohol."
C) "I won't be able to run in the marathon race anymore."
D) "My father had hypertension, did nothing, and lived to be 90 years old."

Question 6

The client has been recently diagnosed with hypertension with a sustained blood pressure of 144/90 mm/Hg. The client is concerned about effects on the body. What effects of hypertension on the body will the nurse include in her education of this client? Select all that apply.

A) blindness
B) kidney damage
C) liver failure
D) heart failure
E) stroke

Question 7

The client has been recently diagnosed with hypertension. Assessment data includes: Wt: 90 kgs Ht: 160 cm
Diet: Mostly starches
Alcohol intake: 3 beers/week
Stressors: Works 60 hours/week
In planning care with this client, what is the priority outcome?

A) Client will decrease stress by limiting work to 40 hours/week.
B) Client will eliminate alcohol from the diet.
C) Client will achieve and maintain optimum weight.
D) Client will balance diet according to the food pyramid.

Question 8

The nurse is conducting the initial group education session for clients who have hypertension. What is the most important information to include? Select all that apply.

A) Blood pressures tend to decrease as people age, due to decreased blood volume.
B) Hypertension is diagnosed when the blood pressure is greater than 139/89 mm/Hg.
C) The aorta has sensors that help regulate blood pressure.
D) The vasomotor centre, located in the limbic system of the brain, helps regulate blood pressure.
E) Anger can result in hypertension.

Question 9

The client has a blood pressure reading of 126/84 mm/Hg. She asks the nurse if she has high blood pressure. What is the best response by the nurse?

A) "You have prehypertension, but it isn't really serious."
B) "You have prehypertension, and must begin medication."
C) "You have prehypertension; let's discuss your lifestyle."
D) "You have prehypertension; unfortunately, this will progress to hypertension."

Question 10

The nurse is taking the initial history of a client admitted to the hospital for hypertension. The physician has ordered a beta -adrenergic blocker. Which statement by the client does the nurse recognize as most significant?

A) "My father died of a heart attack when he was 48 -years -old."
B) "I don't handle stress well; I have a lot of diarrhea."
C) "When I have a migraine headache, I need to have the room darkened."
D) "I have always had problems with my asthma."

Question 11

What is a priority nursing intervention for a client who has just begun antihypertensive treatment with enalapril (Vasotec)?

A) Monitor the client for headaches.
B) Take the client's blood pressure.
C) Order a sodium -restricted diet for the client.
D) Review the client's lab results for hypokalemia.

Question 12

The client has a nighttime cough related to taking enalapril (Vasotec). What is the best nursing intervention to promote rest in this client?

A) Have the client sit up at an 80 -degree angle in a comfortable chair at night.
B) Have the client sleep on two or three pillows at night.
C) Contact the physician for an order for a sedative -hypnotic medication.
D) Contact the physician for an order for a cough -suppressant medication.

Question 13

The client with hypertension has experienced heart failure. The nurse notes that the client is receiving nefedipine (Adalat, Apo -Nifed). What is a priority assessment for the nurse?

A) Assess level of orientation.
B) Review recent lab results for hypokalemia.
C) Auscultate breath sounds for crackles.
D) Assess urinary output.

Question 14

The client with hypertension is receiving nefedipine (Aldat, Apo -Nifed). The nurse determines that the client needs additional medication education when the client selects which menu for breakfast?

A) eggs and sausage, a biscuit with margarine, coffee with cream, and cranberry juice
B) egg and cheese omelet, tea with sugar and lemon, hash brown potatoes, and prune juice
C) eggs, whole -wheat toast with butter, Lucky Charms cereal, milk, and grapefruit juice
D) whole -wheat pancakes with syrup, and bacon, oatmeal, and orange juice

Question 15

The nurse completed medication education with the client who receives hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Urozide). The nurse determines that teaching has been effective when the client makes which statement?

A) "I really need to avoid grapefruit juice when I take this medication."
B) "I need to avoid salt substitutes and potassium -rich foods."
C) "I take my medication early in the morning."
D) "If I develop a cough, I should call my doctor."