The client asks the nurse why an ACE inhibitor has been ...

[AEWBW]

The client asks the nurse why an ACE inhibitor has been prescribed following an MI. What is the best response by the nurse?
 
  1. This medication will lower your potassium level.
  2. ACE inhibitors have been found to reduce mortality following MI.
  3. ACE inhibitors are always prescribed with a beta blocker and calcium channel blocker following an MI.
  4. This medication will treat your hypotension.

Question 2

A client presents in the Emergency Department with a suspected MI. Which medications should be given as soon as possible?(Select all that apply.)
 
  1. Clopidogrel (Plavix)
  2. Morphine
  3. Aspirin (ASA)
  4. Metoprolol (Lopressor)

[DylanD1323]

Answer to Question 1

2

Rationale 1: ACE inhibitors can raise potassium levels.
Rationale 2: The ACE inhibitors, captopril (Capoten) and lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), have also been found to reduce mortality following MI. These drugs are most effective when therapy is started within 1 or 2 days after the onset of symptoms.
Rationale 3: ACE inhibitors are not always prescribed in combination with beta blockers and calcium channel blockers.
Rationale 4: ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure, and would treat hypertension, not hypotension.

Global Rationale: The ACE inhibitors, captopril (Capoten) and lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), have also been found to reduce mortality following MI. These drugs are most effective when therapy is started within 1 or 2 days after the onset of symptoms. This medication will lower your potassium level is incorrect because ACE inhibitors can raise potassium levels. ACE inhibitors are always prescribed with a beta blocker and calcium channel blocker following an MI is incorrect because ACE inhibitors are not always prescribed in combination with beta blockers and calcium channel blockers. This medication will treat your hypotension is incorrect because ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure, and would treat hypertension, not hypotension.

Answer to Question 2

2, 3, 4

Rationale 1: Clopidogrel (Plavix) is an antiplatelet drug used in patients with a stroke who cannot tolerate aspirin.
Rationale 2: Morphine is essential following acute MI to ensure the patient's comfort and reduce stress.
Rationale 3: Aspirin has been found to dramatically reduce mortality, by as much as 50, in the weeks following an acute MI. Unless contraindicated, 160324 mg of aspirin is given as soon as possible following a suspected MI.
Rationale 4: Metoprolol (Lopressor) is a beta-adrenergic blocker that is used to reduce the cardiac workload by slowing the heart rate, decreasing contractility, and reducing blood pressure.

Global Rationale: The most immediate needs of the patient with MI are to ensure that the heart continues functioning and that permanent damage from the infarction is minimized. Aspirin has been found to dramatically reduce mortality, by as much as 50, in the weeks following an acute MI. Unless contraindicated, 160324 mg of aspirin is given as soon as possible following a suspected MI. Other drugs that can be administered are beta-adrenergic blockers such as metoprolol (Lopressor), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and opioids such as morphine.

[AEWBW]

Excellent

[rleezy04]

TYSM