The nurse is caring for a client following a myocardial infarction (MI) and prescribed asprin 325mg PO daily. Which of following effects of this medication would this client benefit from following a MI?
Inhibits platelet aggregation
Anti-inflammatory properties
Antiemetic
Anti-pyretic
The Correct Answer is A
A) Inhibits platelet aggregation: The primary benefit of aspirin following a myocardial infarction (MI) is its ability to inhibit platelet aggregation. By preventing platelets from clumping together, aspirin reduces the risk of further clot formation, which is critical in preventing additional cardiac events and improving overall cardiovascular outcomes.
B) Anti-inflammatory properties: While aspirin does have anti-inflammatory effects, this is not the primary reason it is prescribed after an MI. The focus in the post-MI setting is on its role in preventing clot formation rather than addressing inflammation.
C) Antiemetic: Aspirin is not an antiemetic and does not alleviate nausea or vomiting. Clients experiencing gastrointestinal issues or nausea would require different medications for those symptoms.
D) Anti-pyretic: Although aspirin can reduce fever, this effect is not the primary concern in the post-MI setting. The immediate goal is to improve heart health and prevent further thrombotic events, making platelet inhibition the most relevant benefit.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Dry, non-productive cough: One of the most common side effects associated with ACE inhibitors is a dry, non-productive cough. This occurs due to the accumulation of bradykinin, a peptide that can increase in the body when ACE is inhibited. Nurses should assess for this symptom, as it may require changing the medication if it becomes bothersome to the client.
B) Nausea and vomiting: While nausea and vomiting can occur with various medications, they are not specific or common side effects of ACE inhibitors. If these symptoms do arise, they may be due to other factors and should be investigated further.
C) Hypokalemia and vomiting: ACE inhibitors are more commonly associated with hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels) rather than hypokalemia. Monitoring potassium levels is important, but vomiting is not a typical side effect of ACE inhibitors.
D) Epistaxis and headache: Although headaches can occur with many medications, epistaxis (nosebleeds) is not a common side effect associated with ACE inhibitors. While headache assessment is appropriate, the dry cough is the more characteristic and important symptom to monitor in clients on these medications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Losartan (Cozaar): This medication is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) and is often used as an alternative for patients who experience a cough due to ACE inhibitors. Unlike ACE inhibitors, ARBs do not typically cause a cough because they do not affect bradykinin levels, making losartan an appropriate choice for managing hypertension without the adverse effect of a persistent cough.
B) Hydralazine HCL (Apresoline): While hydralazine is an antihypertensive, it works through a different mechanism (direct vasodilation) and is not a first-line alternative for patients with a history of ACE inhibitor-induced cough. It's generally used in specific situations, such as severe hypertension or heart failure.
C) Furosemide (Lasix): This is a loop diuretic primarily used for conditions like heart failure or edema, rather than for the management of hypertension alone. It does not address the underlying hypertension in the same manner as ACE inhibitors or ARBs.
D) Metoprolol (Lopressor): This is a beta-blocker that can be used for hypertension, but it does not directly address the issue of cough related to ACE inhibitors. Switching to a beta-blocker may not be the best option if the client is specifically seeking to avoid the cough associated with ACE inhibitors.