A patient who takes digoxin to treat HF will begin taking a vasodilator. The patient asks the nurse why this new drug has been ordered. The nurse will explain that the vasodilator is used to:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Vasodilators are prescribed to decrease ventricular stretching and improve cardiac output by reducing peripheral resistance and decreasing afterload. This helps the heart work more efficiently and can aid in the treatment of heart failure. Vasodilators do not generally promote peripheral fluid loss, and while improved renal perfusion may be a potential benefit of the medication, it is not the primary reason for its use in treating heart failure.

A Patient Who Takes Digoxin to Treat HF Will Begin