A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for hydrochlorothiazide for the initial treatment of hypertension. Which of the following should the nurse recognize as the action of this medication?
Hydrochlorothiazide prevents angiotensin II from binding with receptor sites.
Hydrochlorothiazide decreases the reabsorption of sodium and water in the distal renal tubule.
Hydrochlorothiazide blocks stimulation of beta receptors in the sympathetic nervous system.
Hydrochlorothiazide promotes the movement of extravascular fluids into the vascular compartment.
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. Hydrochlorothiazide does not prevent angiotensin II from binding with receptor sites; this action is typically associated with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers.
B. Hydrochlorothiazide decreases the reabsorption of sodium and water in the distal renal tubule, which leads to increased urine output and decreased blood volume, effectively lowering blood pressure.
C. Hydrochlorothiazide does not block beta receptors; this is the mechanism of action for beta-blockers.
D. Hydrochlorothiazide does not promote the movement of extravascular fluids into the vascular compartment; instead, it reduces blood volume by promoting diuresis.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Muscle rigidity of the extremities: This finding is more indicative of hyperkalemia or severe electrolyte imbalances but is not a common symptom of hypokalemia.
B. Bounding radial pulses: This finding is more associated with hypervolemia or hyperkalemia, not with hypokalemia caused by furosemide.
C. Depressed deep tendon reflexes: This is the correct response, as low potassium levels (hypokalemia) can lead to diminished reflexes due to its role in neuromuscular function.
D. Increased bowel motility: This is incorrect, as hypokalemia typically results in decreased bowel motility and may cause constipation rather than increased motility.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that typically decreases heart rate rather than increases it. Therefore, an increased heart rate would not be a therapeutic response to this medication.
B. Verapamil works to lower blood pressure by inhibiting calcium influx into the vascular smooth muscle. An increase in blood pressure would not be an expected therapeutic outcome.
C. While verapamil may help with heart function, the primary therapeutic response is not specifically measured by decreased pulmonary congestion. This outcome may not be directly observable in the early treatment phases post-myocardial infarction.
D. Verapamil is effective in reducing anginal pain by decreasing myocardial oxygen demand through lowering heart rate and contractility. Thus, a decrease in anginal pain would be a direct therapeutic response to the medication.