Ivy Tech, Pharmocology
Ivy Tech, Pharmocology ( 41 Questions)
The nurse is giving the vasodilator medication hydralazine IV push to a client with a systolic blood pressure of 210. What nursing education would be most important to include for this client?
This statement is true. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid getting up without assistance, as hydralazine can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions. This can lead to dizziness, fainting, or falls.
This statement is false. The nurse does not need to monitor the heart rate with this medication, as hydralazine is not a cardiac drug. Hydralazine is a vasodilator that relaxes the blood vessels and lowers the blood pressure. However, the nurse should monitor the blood pressure and adjust the dose accordingly.
This statement is false. The nurse does not need to alter the medication with birth control, as hydralazine does not have a significant interaction with hormonal contraceptives. However, the nurse should advise the client to inform the prescriber if they are pregnant or planning to conceive, as hydralazine may have some effects on the fetus.
This statement is false. The nurse does not need to report a dry cough, as hydralazine does not cause this side effect. A dry cough is more common with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which are another class of antihypertensive drugs.
Choice A reason: This statement is true. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid getting up without assistance, as hydralazine can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions. This can lead to dizziness, fainting, or falls.
Choice B reason: This statement is false. The nurse does not need to monitor the heart rate with this medication, as hydralazine is not a cardiac drug. Hydralazine is a vasodilator that relaxes the blood vessels and lowers the blood pressure. However, the nurse should monitor the blood pressure and adjust the dose accordingly.
Choice C reason: This statement is false. The nurse does not need to alter the medication with birth control, as hydralazine does not have a significant interaction with hormonal contraceptives. However, the nurse should advise the client to inform the prescriber if they are pregnant or planning to conceive, as hydralazine may have some effects on the fetus.
Choice D reason: This statement is false. The nurse does not need to report a dry cough, as hydralazine does not cause this side effect. A dry cough is more common with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which are another class of antihypertensive drugs.