Drugs for Hypertension

A patients blood pressure is consistently around 138/88 mm Hg. What does this reading represent?

When hypertension is not treated, which health problem can result?

What is the difference between primary hypertension and secondary hypertension?

The nurse is teaching a patient about antihypertensive therapy. Which statement by the patient indicates the need for more teaching?

Which drug action is most likely to lower blood pressure?

Which action or precaution is most important for the nurse to perform before giving any type of drug for hypertension?

The nurse is checking a patients blood pressure before administering an antihypertensive, and gets a reading of 88/52 mm Hg. What is the nurses best action?

The nurse gives the first dose of an antihypertensive drug to a patient. Which instruction does the nurse give to the patient next?

A patient prescribed a thiazide diuretic for hypertension reports having cramps and feeling like the heart is skipping beats. What side effect of this drug does the nurse suspect?

A patient taking a thiazide diuretic has the following blood laboratory values for kidney function. Which value does the nurse report to the prescriber immediately?

A patient asks the nurse how atenolol (Tenormin) will help reduce hypertension. What is the nurses best response?

A patient taking metoprolol (Lopressor) for hypertension reports all of the following side effects. For which side effect does the nurse notify the prescriber?

Which precaution is most important for the nurse to teach a patient who has been prescribed a beta blocker for hypertension?

A 38-year-old patient has been prescribed nadolol (Corgard) 80 mg daily for hypertension. The patient tells the nurse that he has stopped taking the drug. What is the nurses best action at this time?

A patient has a dose of labetolol (Normodyne) ordered twice a day and is due to have an exercise stress test this morning. What is the nurses best action at this time?

A patient who has been prescribed enalopril (Vasotec) has developed a persistent nonproductive cough. What is the nurses best action?

A patient who has been taking lisinopril (Zestril) develops swollen lips and reports that the tongue feels thick. What is the nurses best action?

An older patient has been prescribed an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Which precaution is most important for the nurse to teach the patient about this drug?

A patient has been prescribed losartan (Cozaar). Which substance, drug, or activity does the nurse teach the patient to avoid?

How does the drug diltiazem (Cardizem) lower blood pressure?

An older adult man who takes verapamil (Calan) reports that his breasts have enlarged. What is the nurses best action?

A patient who is taking nicardipine (Cardene) develops skin lesions, itching, fever, and achy joints. What is the nurses best first action?

The nurse is teaching a patient who has just been prescribed prazosin (Minipres) for hypertension. The nurse immediately notifies the prescriber and questions the order upon discovering that the patient is also taking which drug?

A patient with hypertension is prescribed terazosin (Hytrin). How does the nurse administer the first dose of this drug to the patient?

A patient with hypertension and type 2 diabetes is taking carvedilol (Coreg). What special precaution does the nurse take when giving this drug?

The nurse is teaching a patient how to administer clonidine (Catapres) using the transdermal patch system. The nurse tells the patient to change the patches how often?

Which antihypertensive drug is considered safe for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Which drug acts directly on the peripheral arteries, causing them to dilate and leading to decreased blood pressure?

Which class of antihypertensive drugs has a higher incidence of side effects?

[Multiple Response] Which statements are true about blood pressure? (Select all that apply.)
a. Blood pressure decreases when a person is resting.
b. Blood pressure increases when a person is active.
c. Low blood pressure is called hypotension.
d. Systolic blood pressure is the pressure against artery walls when the heart relaxes.
e. As people get older they are more likely to develop high blood pressure.

[Multiple Response] Which conditions or drugs can cause secondary hypertension? (Select all that apply.)
a. Adrenal gland tumors
b. Estrogen in birth control pills
c. Adenocarcinoma
d. Cortisol
e. Kidney infection

[Multiple Response] The nurse is teaching a patient with hypertension about the use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. What does the nurse include in the teaching plan? (Select all that apply.)
a. OTC cold remedies can be safely taken and will not affect your blood pressure.
b. Avoid cold remedies that contain phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine because they can increase your blood pressure.
c. OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause secondary hypertension.
d. Avoid taking OTC histamine blockers for reflux or upset stomach.
e. Be sure to contact your prescriber before taking any OTC preparations.

[Multiple Response] The nurse is preparing a teaching plan for a patient taking antihypertensive drugs for hypertension. Which symptoms does the nurse include when teaching about the symptoms of hypotension? (Select all that apply.)
a. Increased blood glucose
b. Dizziness
c. GI upset
d. Fainting
e. Light-headedness

[Multiple Response] Which lifestyle changes does the nurse include when teaching a patient who has been prescribed antihypertensive drugs about how to manage hypertension? (Select all that apply.)
a. Establish a regular exercise program.
b. Seek a smoking cessation program.
c. Attain a more challenging career.
d. Consult with a dietitian about a weight loss diet.
e. Choose low-fat, low-salt foods when eating out.

[Multiple Response] What are the actions of alpha-beta blocker drugs? (Select all that apply.)
a. Decrease myocardial contractility
b. Work on the central nervous system
c. Slow the heart rate
d. Increase arterial relaxation
e. Decrease venous vasoconstriction