Deck 27: Drugs Used to Treat Heart Failure

Question 1

The nurse is assessing an emergency department patient who was recently discharged following a myocardial infarction (MI).Which symptom(s)would the nurse observe in this patient with left ventricular systolic failure?

A) Reports of recent weight loss
B) Complaints of peripheral edema
C) Diminished exercise tolerance
D) Shortness of breath with activity
E) Blood pressure elevation

Answer 1

Diminished exercise tolerance
Shortness of breath with activity

Question 2

A patient with altered cardiac function is being assessed by the nurse.When auscultating lung sounds,the nurse will assist this patient into a _____ position.

A) prone
B) supine
C) Sims
D) Fowler's

Answer 2

Fowler's

Question 3

The nurse monitors a patient receiving digoxin closely for toxicity when which other medication is prescribed?

A) Potassium supplements
B) Furosemide (Lasix)
C) Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)
D) Antibiotics

Answer 3

Furosemide (Lasix)

Question 4

The nurse is caring for a 3-year-old girl who has a congenital heart anomaly.The patient's current medications include digoxin and furosemide (Lasix).The apical pulse rate is 100 beats/min.Which action will the nurse take?

A) Administer the medication.
B) Contact the pediatric cardiologist for further orders.
C) Hold the digoxin.
D) Request that another unit nurse assess the child.

Question 5

Which contributing factor(s)to heart failure is/are modifiable?

A) Hypertension
B) Addiction to smoking
C) Genetic history
D) Exercise tolerance
E) Age

Question 6

Which drug will be administered to a patient being admitted with severe digoxin intoxication?

A) Amiodarone (Cordarone)
B) Spironolactone (Aldactone)
C) Digoxin immune Fab (Digibind)
D) Digitalis glycoside

Question 7

Which statement(s)about vasodilators is/are true?

A) They reduce systemic vascular resistance.
B) They increase afterload.
C) They reduce preload.
D) They decrease pulmonary congestion.
E) They increase tissue perfusion to muscles and organs.
F) They increase the volume of blood returning to the heart.

Question 8

Which action of ACE inhibitors results in effective treatment of heart failure?

A) Increased afterload
B) Increased aldosterone
C) Increased preload
D) Increased cardiac output

Question 9

The nurse transcribes a new order for a daily diuretic on a patient diagnosed with congestive heart failure.The nurse will schedule this medication

A) in the morning.
B) after lunch.
C) with dinner.
D) at bedtime.

Question 10

Which agents stimulate the heart to increase the force of contractions,thereby increasing cardiac output?

A) Inotropic
B) Chronotropic
C) Isotonic
D) Isopropyl

Question 11

Which instruction by the nurse will be included when teaching an adult patient about digoxin (Lanoxin)for management of heart failure?

A) "Report nausea and vomiting to your health care provider."
B) "Decrease the amount of high potassium foods you eat."
C) "Omit your dose of digoxin if your pulse is 60 beats/min."
D) "Visual disturbances are common adverse effects."

Question 12

Which nursing assessment is most important to determine fluid status for a patient with heart failure?

A) Auscultation of lungs
B) Daily weights
C) Intake and output
D) Measurement of abdominal girth

Question 13

An older adult male patient with long-term heart failure has presented for an office visit.The nurse obtains information that he has recently begun taking St.John's wort.What results with the use of this herbal supplement?

A) Digoxin toxicity
B) Altered potassium electrolyte balance
C) Reduced therapeutic benefits of digoxin
D) Enhanced digoxin effectiveness without producing toxicity

Question 14

Before administering digoxin (Lanoxin),the nurse takes the adult patient's apical pulse for 1 full minute.What additional nursing consideration(s)will be taken before administration of the medication?

A) Review of the digoxin blood level
B) Administration of the medication with pulse less than 60 beats/min
C) Review of serum electrolytes, liver, and kidney function studies
D) Administration of the medication with a pulse of 110 beats/min
E) Obtaining baseline patient assessment data, including lung sounds, vital signs, and weight

Question 15

The nurse is providing teaching to a patient with heart failure who has been prescribed nifedipine,a calcium channel blocker.Which statement by the nurse is accurate?

A) "This medication dilates your coronary arteries."
B) "This medication will help your kidneys get rid of fluid."
C) "This medication reduces volume returning to your heart so it doesn't overstretch."
D) "This medication reduces the resistance your heart has to pump against."

Question 16

Which action(s)will the nurse take when caring for a patient with heart failure?

A) Administer diuretics at bedtime.
B) Assess electrolyte levels.
C) Report daily weight fluctuations.
D) Encourage sodium intake.
E) Maintain skin hygiene.

Question 17

A patient with heart failure has been prescribed nesiritide (Natrecor).Which statement(s)is/are true regarding this medication?

A) It increases preload.
B) Cardiac ventricles secrete this hormone in response to fluid overload.
C) It suppresses aldosterone.
D) It promotes norepinephrine secretion.
E) It causes vasodilation.

Question 18

Which is the initial manifestation of digoxin toxicity in children?

A) Hallucinations
B) Weakness
C) Atrial dysrhythmia
D) Diuresis

Question 19

The nurse is to administer digoxin to an 18-month-old patient who weighs 16.5 lb.Guidelines for administration read as follows: 0.0075 to 0.010 mg/kg/day.Which is a safe medication dosage?

A) 0.05 mg
B) 0.12 mg
C) 0.074 mg
D) 0.75 mg

Question 20

Which drug is used to obtain vasodilation in the treatment of chronic heart failure?

A) ACTH
B) ACE inhibitors
C) ARBs
D) ANB agents

Question 21

The nurse is providing education to a patient with altered cardiac function.When instructing this patient the nurse will encourage

A) alcohol consumed in moderation.
B) use of salt substitute.
C) regular, mild exercise.
D) good skin care.
E) stress reduction.