Medications for heart failure
Medications for heart failure ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is receiving lisinopril (Zestril). Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the medication is effective?
Choice A is wrong because decreased blood pressure is not a specific indicator of the medication’s effectiveness. Lisinopril (Zestril) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that lowers blood pressure by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. However, blood pressure can also be affected by other factors, such as dehydration, bleeding, or shock.
Choice B is wrong because Increased urine output. This indicates that the medication is effective in reducing the fluid overload and improving the renal perfusion in the client who has heart failure.
Choice C is wrong because increased heart rate is not a desired outcome of the medication. Lisinopril (Zestril) does not directly affect the heart rate, but it may cause reflex tachycardia as a compensatory mechanism for the reduced blood pressure. Increased heart rate can also worsen the cardiac workload and oxygen demand in the client who has heart failure.
Choice D is wrong because decreased respiratory rate is not a reliable sign of the medication’s effectiveness. Lisinopril (Zestril) may help reduce pulmonary congestion and dyspnea in the client who has heart failure, but respiratory rate can also be influenced by other factors, such as sedation, pain, or anxiety.
Choice B is wrong because Increased urine output. This indicates that the medication is effective in reducing the fluid overload and improving the renal perfusion in the client who has heart failure.
Choice A is wrong because decreased blood pressure is not a specific indicator of the medication’s effectiveness. Lisinopril (Zestril) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that lowers blood pressure by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. However, blood pressure can also be affected by other factors, such as dehydration, bleeding, or shock.
Choice C is wrong because increased heart rate is not a desired outcome of the medication. Lisinopril (Zestril) does not directly affect the heart rate, but it may cause reflex tachycardia as a compensatory mechanism for the reduced blood pressure. Increased heart rate can also worsen the cardiac workload and oxygen demand in the client who has heart failure.
Choice D is wrong because decreased respiratory rate is not a reliable sign of the medication’s effectiveness. Lisinopril (Zestril) may help reduce pulmonary congestion and dyspnea in the client who has heart failure, but respiratory rate can also be influenced by other factors, such as sedation, pain, or anxiety.
Normal ranges for vital signs are as follows:
• Blood pressure: 90/60 mm Hg to 120/80 mm Hg
• Heart rate: 60 to 100 beats per minute
• Respiratory rate: 12 to 20 breaths per minute
• Urine output: at least 30 mL per hour