Which Medication Would A Nurse Conclude Is The Cause Of A Decreased Heart Rate In A Client Receiving A Cardiac Glycoside, A Diuretic, An Angiotensin-converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitor, And A Vasodilator?A. Diuretic B. Vasodilator C. ACE Inhibitor D.
As a nurse, it is essential to understand the effects of various medications on the body, particularly on the cardiovascular system. In this article, we will discuss the effects of a cardiac glycoside, a diuretic, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, and a vasodilator on heart rate.
Cardiac Glycosides
Cardiac glycosides, also known as digitalis, are a class of medications used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation. They work by increasing the strength of heart contractions and slowing the heart rate. Cardiac glycosides increase the force of contraction and slow the heart rate. This is achieved by inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase pump, which leads to an increase in intracellular calcium levels. The increased calcium levels cause the heart muscle to contract more forcefully, resulting in an increase in cardiac output.
Diuretics
Diuretics are a class of medications used to treat hypertension and edema. They work by increasing the excretion of sodium and water in the urine, which leads to a decrease in blood volume and a subsequent decrease in blood pressure. Diuretics do not directly affect heart rate. However, they can cause a decrease in blood pressure, which can lead to a reflex increase in heart rate. This is known as the baroreceptor reflex.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
ACE inhibitors are a class of medications used to treat hypertension and heart failure. They work by inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. ACE inhibitors cause a decrease in blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the amount of fluid in the body. This can lead to a reflex increase in heart rate.
Vasodilators
Vasodilators are a class of medications used to treat hypertension and heart failure. They work by relaxing the smooth muscle in the blood vessels, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. Vasodilators can cause a decrease in heart rate by reducing the amount of fluid in the body and decreasing the workload on the heart.
Conclusion
Based on the effects of each medication on heart rate, we can conclude that the medication that would cause a decrease in heart rate in a client receiving a cardiac glycoside, a diuretic, an ACE inhibitor, and a vasodilator is the vasodilator. The vasodilator can cause a decrease in heart rate by reducing the amount of fluid in the body and decreasing the workload on the heart.
References
- Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics
- Katzung, B. G., & Masters, S. B. (2017). Basic & Clinical Pharmacology.
- Berne, R. M., & Levy, M. N. (2018). Cardiovascular Physiology.
Discussion
- What are the effects of cardiac glycosides on heart rate?
- How do diuretics affect heart rate?
- What are the effects of ACE inhibitors on heart rate?
- How do vasodilators affect heart rate?
- Which medication would cause a decrease in heart rate in a client receiving a cardiac glycoside, a diuretic, an ACE inhibitor, and a vasodilator?
Answer
As a nurse, it is essential to understand the effects of various medications on the body, particularly on the cardiovascular system. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about medications and heart rate.
Q: What is the effect of cardiac glycosides on heart rate?
A: Cardiac glycosides increase the force of contraction and slow the heart rate. They work by inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase pump, which leads to an increase in intracellular calcium levels. The increased calcium levels cause the heart muscle to contract more forcefully, resulting in an increase in cardiac output.
Q: How do diuretics affect heart rate?
A: Diuretics do not directly affect heart rate. However, they can cause a decrease in blood pressure, which can lead to a reflex increase in heart rate. This is known as the baroreceptor reflex.
Q: What are the effects of ACE inhibitors on heart rate?
A: ACE inhibitors cause a decrease in blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the amount of fluid in the body. This can lead to a reflex increase in heart rate.
Q: How do vasodilators affect heart rate?
A: Vasodilators can cause a decrease in heart rate by reducing the amount of fluid in the body and decreasing the workload on the heart.
Q: Which medication would cause a decrease in heart rate in a client receiving a cardiac glycoside, a diuretic, an ACE inhibitor, and a vasodilator?
A: The correct answer is B. Vasodilator. The vasodilator can cause a decrease in heart rate by reducing the amount of fluid in the body and decreasing the workload on the heart.
Q: What are the potential side effects of cardiac glycosides on heart rate?
A: The potential side effects of cardiac glycosides on heart rate include bradycardia (slow heart rate), atrioventricular block, and cardiac arrest.
Q: Can diuretics cause a decrease in heart rate?
A: No, diuretics do not directly affect heart rate. However, they can cause a decrease in blood pressure, which can lead to a reflex increase in heart rate.
Q: How do ACE inhibitors affect heart rate in patients with heart failure?
A: ACE inhibitors can cause a decrease in blood pressure and a reflex increase in heart rate in patients with heart failure. However, they can also improve cardiac output and reduce mortality in these patients.
Q: Can vasodilators cause a decrease in heart rate in patients with hypertension?
A: Yes, vasodilators can cause a decrease in heart rate in patients with hypertension by reducing the amount of fluid in the body and decreasing the workload on the heart.
References
- Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics
- Katzung, B. G., & Masters, S. B. (2017). Basic & Clinical Pharmacology.
- Berne, R. M., & Levy, M. N. (2018). Cardiovascular Physiology.
Discussion
- What are the effects of medications on heart rate?
- How do cardiac glycosides affect heart rate?
- What are the potential side effects of diuretics on heart rate?
- How do ACE inhibitors affect heart rate in patients with heart failure?
- Can vasodilators cause a decrease in heart rate in patients with hypertension?