Author Question: The nurse is assessing an older adult client with a cardiac dysrhythmia. Which finding would the ... (Read 113 times)

anshika · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The nurse is assessing an older adult client with a cardiac dysrhythmia. Which finding would the nurse identify as contributing to this client's dysrhythmia?

A) Drinks caffeinated coffee in the morning and for lunch.
B) Does not smoke or ingest any alcohol.
C) Plays golf three times a week and gardens daily.
D) Takes antihypertensive medication as prescribed.

Question 2

A client with primary hypertension is prescribed terazosin (Hytrin) to treat this condition.

When teaching the client about how this drug works to decrease blood pressure, which mechanism of action provides the rationale for the use of the medication?
A) Prevents conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
B) Prevents beta-receptor stimulation in the heart.
C) Inhibits the flow of calcium ions across the cell membrane of vascular tissue and cardiac cells.
D) Blocks alpha-receptors in the vascular smooth muscle.

wshriver · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: A

Aging affects the heart and the cardiac conduction system, increasing the incidence of dysrhythmias and conduction defects. Caffeine increases the risk of ectopic beats and rapid heart rates. Antihypertensive medications are not associated with cardiac dysrhythmias. Engaging in routine physical activity will not cause dysrhythmias or conduction defects. The client is a non-smoker and does not ingest alcohol, both of which would contribute to cardiac dysrhythmias.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: D

Terazosin (Hytrin), an alpha-adrenergic blocker, acts by blocking alpha-receptors in the vascular smooth muscle. ACE inhibitor medications prevent conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Beta-adrenergic blockers prevent beta-receptor stimulation in the heart. Calcium channel blockers inhibit the flow of calcium ions across the cell membrane of vascular tissue and cardiac cells.