A nurse is reviewing the phenomenon of reflex tachycardia with a ...

[humphriesbr@me.com]

A nurse is reviewing the phenomenon of reflex tachycardia with a group of nursing students. Which statement by a student indicates understanding of this phenomenon?
 
  a. Baroreceptors in the aortic arch stimulate the heart to beat faster.
  b. Reflex tachycardia can negate the desired effects of vasodilators.
  c. Reflex tachycardia is more likely to occur when beta blockers are given.
  d. Venous dilation must occur for reflex tachycardia to occur.

Question 2

A patient is taking a vasodilator that relaxes smooth muscles in veins. To help minimize drug side effects, the nurse caring for this patient will:
 
  a. caution the patient not to get up without assistance.
  b. encourage the patient to increase fluid intake.
  c. tell the patient to report shortness of breath.
  d. warn the patient about the possibility of bradycardia.

[jaykayy05]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Reflex tachycardia, which is a compensatory mechanism in response to decreased blood pressure, can negate the desired effect of a vasodilator by eventually increasing blood pressure. Baroreceptors relay information to the vasomotor center of the medulla; the medulla sends impulses to the heart. Beta blockers are given to counter reflex tachycardia. Reflex tachycardia can be produced by dilation of both arterioles and veins.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Postural hypotension occurs when moving from a supine or seated position to an upright position. It is caused by relaxation of smooth muscle in veins, which allows blood to pool in veins and decreases venous return of blood to the heart. Patients taking such drugs should ask for assistance when getting up to prevent falls. Prolonged use of vasodilators can lead to expansion of blood volume and fluid overload, so increasing fluid intake is not appropriate. Shortness of breath is a symptom associated with heart failure. Tachycardia can occur when the blood pressure drops as a result of the baroreceptor reflex.

[humphriesbr@me.com]

Thanks

[jaykayy05]

Welcome