Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies Q 89

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Honey, a 23-year old client complains of substernal chest pain and states that her heart feels like “it’s racing out of the chest”. She reports no history of cardiac disorders. The nurse attaches her to a cardiac monitor and notes sinus tachycardia with a rate of 136beats/minutes. Breath sounds are clear and the respiratory rate is 26 breaths/minutes. Which of the following drugs should the nurse question the client about using?

  

     A. Barbiturates

     B. Opioids

     C. Cocaine

     D. Benzodiazepines

    

    

Correct Answer: C. Cocaine

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Because of the client’s age and negative medical history, the nurse should question her about cocaine use. Cocaine increases myocardial oxygen consumption and can cause coronary artery spasm, leading to tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, myocardial ischemia, and myocardial infarction.

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Option A: Barbiturate overdose may trigger respiratory depression and slow pulse.

Option B: Opioids can cause marked respiratory depression.

Option D: Benzodiazepines can cause drowsiness and confusion.

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