Question

The nurse is preparing to administer the vasodilator hydralazine to a patient. The nurse knows which of the following are correct?

a.Does not produce additive hypotension with other antihypertensives.

b.Causes selective dilation of arterioles.

c.Adverse effects of reflex tachycardia and increase blood volume.

d.Risk of an acute rheumatoid syndrome that closely resembles systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Answer 1

Hydralazine is known for selective arteriole dilation, potential reflex tachycardia and increased blood volume, and a risk of inducing a syndrome similar to SLE. It can also cause additive hypotension when used with other antihypertensives.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse preparing to administer the vasodilator hydralazine should know the following correct statements about the drug:

• Hydralazine causes selective dilation of arterioles, which can reduce blood pressure by decreasing systemic vascular resistance.
• It may cause adverse effects such as reflex tachycardia and increased blood volume as the body attempts to counteract the drop in blood pressure.
• There is a risk of an acute rheumatoid syndrome that resembles systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in some patients who take hydralazine.

It is incorrect to assume hydralazine does not produce additive hypotension with other antihypertensives; it can have additive effects when used with other blood pressure-lowering medications.