A nurse is caring for a client who is taking enalapril (Vasotec). Which of the following outcomes indicates a therapeutic effect of the medication?
Increase of high-density lipoproteins.
Decreased pain from intermittent claudication.
Decreased blood pressure
Decrease in low density lipoproteins.
The Correct Answer is C
A) Increase of high-density lipoproteins: While higher levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) are generally associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, enalapril is not primarily used to target lipid levels. Its main purpose is to manage blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart failure and renal complications, rather than specifically affecting HDL levels.
B) Decreased pain from intermittent claudication: Intermittent claudication is typically related to peripheral artery disease, which may not be directly improved by enalapril. While managing blood pressure can indirectly benefit circulation, enalapril is not indicated specifically for alleviating pain associated with claudication.
C) Decreased blood pressure: Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor used primarily to treat hypertension. A significant decrease in blood pressure is a direct therapeutic effect of the medication, indicating that it is effectively managing the client’s condition. Monitoring blood pressure helps assess the medication's efficacy in achieving the desired therapeutic outcome.
D) Decrease in low-density lipoproteins: Although reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels can benefit cardiovascular health, enalapril is not primarily prescribed for this purpose. Its effects on lipid levels are minimal compared to its role in lowering blood pressure and protecting renal function, making a decrease in LDL levels an irrelevant indicator of its therapeutic effect.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A) Furosemide: This is a loop diuretic that can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, both of which can contribute to orthostatic hypotension. The medication's diuretic effect can cause a significant drop in blood volume, increasing the risk of low blood pressure upon standing.
B) Simvastatin: This medication is used to lower cholesterol levels and is not associated with orthostatic hypotension. It does not have a direct impact on blood pressure or volume.
C) Losartan: As an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), losartan is used to treat hypertension. It can cause vasodilation and may lead to orthostatic hypotension, particularly in elderly clients or those who are volume-depleted.
D) Nifedipine: This calcium channel blocker is used to treat hypertension and can cause vasodilation. It may lead to orthostatic hypotension as well, especially during dose adjustments or if the client is dehydrated.
E) Clopidogrel: This antiplatelet medication is used to prevent blood clots and does not directly cause orthostatic hypotension. Its primary action is to inhibit platelet aggregation, not to affect blood pressure.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Intermittent claudication: This symptom is indicative of arterial insufficiency, not chronic venous insufficiency. Intermittent claudication is characterized by pain in the legs during activity due to insufficient blood flow, which is not typical in venous conditions.
B) Decreased pedal pulses: In chronic venous insufficiency, pedal pulses are usually normal. Decreased pedal pulses suggest arterial disease, where blood flow is compromised. Thus, this finding would not be expected in a client with venous insufficiency.
C) Bronze/brown discoloration of the skin: This is a hallmark finding in chronic venous insufficiency. The discoloration occurs due to the deposition of hemosiderin from the breakdown of red blood cells, which is a result of prolonged venous stasis and chronic edema, particularly around the lower extremities.
D) Cool skin temperature: Skin temperature in chronic venous insufficiency is typically warm due to increased blood flow and stasis in the veins. Cool skin temperature is more characteristic of arterial insufficiency, where blood supply is reduced and can lead to cooler extremities.
E) Full screen mode is in effect during your proctored testing: This statement is irrelevant to the clinical assessment of chronic venous insufficiency and serves no purpose in understanding the client’s condition. It does not contribute to the assessment findings.