A Patient Who Has Heart Failure Receives Digoxin (Lanoxin)and an Angiotension-Converting

question 4

Multiple Choice

A patient who has heart failure receives digoxin (Lanoxin) and an angiotension-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor.The patient will begin taking spironolactone (Aldactone) .The patient asks why the new drug is necessary.The nurse will tell the patient that spironolactone will be given for which reason?

• A)To enhance potassium excretion
• B)To increase cardiac contractility
• C)To minimize fluid losses
• D)To provide cardioprotective effects

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Definitions:

Pulmonary Semilunar Valve

A valve located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery that prevents blood from flowing back into the heart chamber after it has been pumped out.

Aortic Semilunar Valve

One of the two semilunar valves of the heart, located between the left ventricle and the aorta, preventing backflow of blood.

Great Vessels

The major arteries and veins that directly enter and exit the heart, responsible for systemic and pulmonary circulation.

Apex

The top or highest part of something, often used to describe the pointed end of the heart.