Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving mydriatic eye drops. Which of the following manifestations indicate to the nurse that the client has developed a systemic anticholinergic effect?
A. Hypothermia
B. Bradycardia
C. Seizures
D. Constipation
Mydriatic eye drops can cause systemic anticholinergic effects 1. Anticholinergic drugs block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that transfers signals between cells to affect how your body functions 2. This can lead to side effects such as decreased digestion 2, which can result in constipation.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI Custom Pharmacology Proctored Exam 2. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Mydriatic eye drops can cause systemic anticholinergic effects 1. Anticholinergic drugs block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that transfers signals between cells to affect how your body functions 2. This can lead to side effects such as decreased digestion 2, which can result in constipation.

Similar Questions
A nurse is assessing a client who is taking oxacillin to treat an infection. The nurse should recognize which of the following findings is a manifestation of an allergic reaction?
A. Fever
B. Pruritus
An allergic reaction can occur in response to medication, and oxacillin is known to have the potential for causing allergic reactions. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash, hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis. Fever, amber urine, and diarrhoea are not typically associated with an allergic reaction to oxacillin. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client for any signs of an allergic reaction, particularly pruritus or itching, and report them to the healthcare provider promptly.
C. Amber urine
D. Diarrhea
Full Explanation
An allergic reaction can occur in response to medication, and oxacillin is known to have the potential for causing allergic reactions. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash, hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis. Fever, amber urine, and diarrhoea are not typically associated with an allergic reaction to oxacillin.
Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client for any signs of an allergic reaction, particularly pruritus or itching, and report them to the healthcare provider promptly.

A nurse is caring for a client who has a fungal infection and is given a new prescription for amphotericin B. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse report to the provider before initiating the medication?
A. Potassium 5.0 mEq/L (3.5-5.0)
B. Glucose 120 mg/dL (70-110)
C. Sodium 140 mEq/L (135-145)
D. BUN 55 mg/dL (6-24)
BUN stands for Blood Urea Nitrogen, and it is a laboratory test that measures the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea, which is a waste product of protein metabolism. Elevated BUN levels indicate impaired kidney function. Amphotericin B is known to be potentially nephrotoxic, which means that it can cause damage to the kidneys. Therefore, the nurse should report an elevated BUN level to the provider before initiating the medication to ensure the safety of the client. Potassium, glucose, and sodium levels are within normal range and do not require intervention in this scenario.
Full Explanation
BUN stands for Blood Urea Nitrogen, and it is a laboratory test that measures the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea, which is a waste product of protein metabolism. Elevated BUN levels indicate impaired kidney function. Amphotericin B is known to be potentially nephrotoxic, which means that it can cause damage to the kidneys. Therefore, the nurse should report an elevated BUN level to the provider before initiating the medication to ensure the safety of the client. Potassium, glucose, and sodium levels are within normal range and do not require intervention in this scenario.

A nurse is teaching a client about taking diphenhydramine. The nurse should explain to the client that which of the following is an adverse effect of this medication?
A. Headache
While headaches can occur with some medications, they are not a common adverse effect of diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine's typical side effects are more related to its anticholinergic properties.
B. Constipation
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine with anticholinergic effects, which can lead to dry mouth, urinary retention, and constipation as common adverse effects.
C. Bradycardia
Diphenhydramine typically does not cause bradycardia. In some cases, it may cause tachycardia (increased heart rate) rather than a slower heart rate.
D. Hypertension
Hypertension is not typically associated with diphenhydramine. In fact, it can sometimes cause hypotension (low blood pressure) rather than high blood pressure.
Full Explanation
The correct answer is choice b. Constipation.
Choice A rationale:
While headaches can occur with some medications, they are not a common adverse effect of diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine's typical side effects are more related to its anticholinergic properties.
Choice B rationale:
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine with anticholinergic effects, which can lead to dry mouth, urinary retention, and constipation as common adverse effects.
Choice C rationale:
Diphenhydramine typically does not cause bradycardia. In some cases, it may cause tachycardia (increased heart rate) rather than a slower heart rate.
Choice D rationale:
Hypertension is not typically associated with diphenhydramine. In fact, it can sometimes cause hypotension (low blood pressure) rather than high blood pressure.