Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A client with chemotherapy induced nausea receives a prescription for metoclopramide. Which adverse effect is most important for the nurse to report?
A. Unusual irritability.
B. Diarrhea
C. Nausea
D. Involuntary movements.
Metoclopramide is a medication used to treat nausea and vomiting, including those caused by chemotherapy. However, it has a potential adverse effect of causing extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), which are involuntary movements of the body, such as muscle spasms, twitching, or restlessness. These symptoms can be distressing for patients and can interfere with their quality of life. EPS can be a sign of tardive dyskinesia, a serious and irreversible neurological disorder. Therefore, it is essential for the nurse to monitor the client for any signs of EPS and report them immediately to the healthcare provider to prevent further complications. Unusual irritability, diarrhea, and nausea are also potential adverse effects of metoclopramide, but they are not as concerning as EPS.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - HESI Pharmacology Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Metoclopramide is a medication used to treat nausea and vomiting, including those caused by chemotherapy. However, it has a potential adverse effect of causing extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), which are involuntary movements of the body, such as muscle spasms, twitching, or restlessness. These symptoms can be distressing for patients and can interfere with their quality of life. EPS can be a sign of tardive dyskinesia, a serious and irreversible neurological disorder.
Therefore, it is essential for the nurse to monitor the client for any signs of EPS and report them immediately to the healthcare provider to prevent further complications. Unusual irritability, diarrhea, and nausea are also potential adverse effects of metoclopramide, but they are not as concerning as EPS.
Similar Questions
A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receives a new prescription for an ipratropium inhaler. Which action indicates to the nurse that additional teaching is needed?
A. Attaches spacer device to the inhaler.
B. Stores the medication at room temperature.
C. Primes the inhaler with 7 pumps.
Ipratropium is a medication used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)1. When using an ipratropium inhaler for the first time or if it has not been used for a while, it is important to prime the inhaler by spraying it into the air away from your face1. However, the inhaler only needs to be primed with 2 sprays, not 71. If the client primes the inhaler with 7 pumps, it indicates that additional teaching is needed.
D. Rinses mouth after each use.
Full Explanation
Ipratropium is a medication used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)1. When using an ipratropium inhaler for the first time or if it has not been used for a while, it is important to prime the inhaler by spraying it into the air away from your face1. However, the inhaler only needs to be primed with 2 sprays, not 71. If the client primes the inhaler with 7 pumps, it indicates that additional teaching is needed.
Prior to administering oral doses of calcitriol and calcium carbonate to a client with hypoparathyroidism, the nurse notes that the total level of calcium is 14 mg/dL (3.5 mmol/L). Which action should the nurse implement?
A. Administer both prescribed medications as scheduled.
B. Hold the calcitriol but administer the calcium carbonate as scheduled.
C. Hold the calcium carbonate but administer the calcitriol as scheduled.
D. Hold both medications until contacting the healthcare provider.
A total calcium level of 14 mg/dL (3.5 mmol/L) is higher than the normal range of 2.2 to 2.6 millimoles per liter (mmol/L)1. Calcitriol and calcium carbonate are both medications used to increase calcium levels in the blood2. Since the client’s calcium level is already high, it would be important for the nurse to hold both medications and contact the healthcare provider for further instructions.
Full Explanation
A total calcium level of 14 mg/dL (3.5 mmol/L) is higher than the normal range of 2.2 to 2.6 millimoles per liter (mmol/L)1. Calcitriol and calcium carbonate are both medications used to increase calcium levels in the blood2. Since the client’s calcium level is already high, it would be important for the nurse to hold both medications and contact the healthcare provider for further instructions.
The health care provider prescribes the antilipemic lovastatin for a client who has exhibited a consistently elevated serum cholesterol level. In evaluating the client’s treatment regimen, which remark by the client indicates to the nurse that the client understands the drug’s treatment protocol?
A. As soon as my cholesterol is lowered, I can stop taking this drug.
B. I will avoid taking alcoholic beverages while am taking this medication.
Lovastatin is an antilipemic medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood1. It is important for clients taking lovastatin to avoid drinking alcohol as it can increase the risk of liver problems. If the client remarks that they will avoid taking alcoholic beverages while taking this medication, it indicates that they understand the drug’s treatment protocol.
C. Taking this drug will enable me to have more choices about what can eat.
D. I will have a white blood count drawn monthly to monitor tor development of an infection.
Full Explanation
Lovastatin is an antilipemic medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood1. It is important for clients taking lovastatin to avoid drinking alcohol as it can increase the risk of liver problems. If the client remarks that they will avoid taking alcoholic beverages while taking this medication, it indicates that they understand the drug’s treatment protocol.
