Antianginal Agents Practice Test

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards

From $12.50Unlock all

Session length

1 / 20

When describing nitrates, which explanation of mechanisms would the nurse expect to include? Select all that apply.

Nitrates relax the smooth muscle layer of blood vessels.

Nitrates are well-known for their ability to treat angina by primarily functioning as vasodilators. When discussing the mechanism of nitrates, it is essential to highlight that they relax the smooth muscle layer of blood vessels. This relaxation leads to vasodilation, which decreases the systemic vascular resistance, subsequently reducing the workload of the heart and oxygen demand.

While other mechanisms, such as the effects on myocardial contractility or increasing blood flow, are related, the primary and most definitive action of nitrates is their direct effect on smooth muscle relaxation. This action allows for increased lumen size in blood vessels, improving blood flow, especially to the myocardium. Therefore, it is accurate to state that nitrates relax the smooth muscle layer of blood vessels, which is a fundamental aspect of their therapeutic function in managing angina symptoms.

Nitrates depress myocardial contractility.

Nitrates increase the amount of blood flowing through the vessel.

Nitrates increase the lumen of the artery or arteriole.