B improve renal perfusion c increase cardiac output d

b. improve renal perfusion.
c. increase cardiac output.
d. promote peripheral fluid loss.
ANS: A
Vasodilators are given to decrease venous blood return to theheart, resulting in decreased cardiac
filling and decreased ventricular stretching, in turn reducing preload, contractility, and oxygen
demand of theheart.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)
TOP: Nursing Process: Nursing Intervention
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
7.
The nurse performs a medication history and learns that thepatient takes a loop diuretic and
digoxin. thenurse will question thepatient to ensure that thepatient is also taking which
medication?
a. Cortisone
b. Lidocaine

c. Nitroglycerin
d. Potassium
ANS: D
If a patient is taking digoxin and a potassium-wasting diuretic such as a loop diuretic, thepatient
should also take a potassium supplement to prevent hypokalemia that could result in digoxin
toxicity. It is not necessary to take cortisone, lidocaine, or nitroglycerin unless thepatient has
symptoms that warrant these drugs.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)
TOP: Nursing Process: Nursing Intervention
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
8.
The nurse administers a dose of digoxin to a patient who has HF and returns to theroom later to
reassess thepatient. Which finding indicates that themedication is effective?
a. Decreased dyspnea
b. Decreased urine output
c. Increased blood pressure
d. Increased heart rate
ANS: A
The patient should show improvement in breathing and oxygenation. Urine output should
increase. Blood pressure and heart rate will decrease.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying (Application) TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
9.
A patient who has HF receives digoxin and an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor.
thepatient will begin taking spironolactone. thepatient asks why thenew drug is necessary.
thenurse will tell thepatient that spironolactone will be given for which reason?
a. To enhance potassium excretion
b. To increase cardiac contractility
c. To minimize fluid losses

d. To provide cardioprotective effects
ANS: D
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that blocks production of aldosterone, causing
improved heart rate variability and decreased myocardial fibrosis. It is given in congestive HF
for its cardioprotective effects. Spironolactone does not directly alter cardiac contractility but
may slightly decrease contractility if fluid volume is decreased. It is a mild diuretic but is not
given in this instance to minimize fluid losses.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension)
TOP: Nursing Process: Nursing Intervention: Patient Teaching
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
10.