A patient is taking a vasodilator that relaxes smooth muscles in veins. To help minimize drug side effects, the nurse caring for this patient will:
A) caution the patient not to get up abruptly.
B) encourage the patient to increase fluid intake.
C) tell the patient to report shortness of breath.
D) warn the patient about the possibility of bradycardia.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Postural hypotension occurs when moving from a supine or seated position to an upright position. It is caused by relaxation of smooth muscle in veins, which allows blood to pool in veins and decreases venous return of blood to the heart. Patients taking such drugs should avoid abrupt transitions to prevent falls. Prolonged use of vasodilators can lead to expansion of blood volume and fluid overload, so increasing fluid intake is not appropriate. Shortness of breath is a symptom associated with heart failure. Tachycardia can occur when the blood pressure drops as a result of the baroreceptor reflex.

A Patient Is Taking a Vasodilator That Relaxes Smooth Muscles