Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
The nurse is caring for a client who is discharged with a prescription for amlodipine. The client should be instructed to self-monitor for:
A. A decrease in urination
This is not a correct answer. A decrease in urination is not a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that lowers the blood pressure and relaxes the blood vessels. Amlodipine does not affect the kidney function or the urine output, unless there is an underlying renal problem or a drug interaction. The client should monitor their urination, but not expect a decrease.
B. An increase in lower extremity edema
This is the correct answer. An increase in lower extremity edema is a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine can cause fluid retention and swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet. This is due to the dilation of the blood vessels and the leakage of fluid into the tissues. The client should monitor their weight and the size of their lower extremities, and report any significant changes to their health care provider. The client may also elevate their legs, wear compression stockings, or take diuretics to reduce the edema.
C. Tachycardia during exercise
This is not a correct answer. Tachycardia during exercise is not a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine can lower the heart rate and the cardiac output, which can reduce the oxygen demand of the heart. Amlodipine does not cause an increase in the heart rate, unless there is an underlying cardiac problem or a drug interaction. The client should monitor their pulse and blood pressure, but not expect tachycardia.
D. An increase in bowel motility
This is not a correct answer. An increase in bowel motility is not a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine does not affect the gastrointestinal system or the digestion, unless there is an allergic reaction or a drug interaction. Amlodipine can cause some gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, abdominal pain, or constipation, but not an increase in bowel motility. The client should monitor their bowel movements, but not expect an increase.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Ati Med Surg Nursing 200 Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not a correct answer. A decrease in urination is not a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that lowers the blood pressure and relaxes the blood vessels. Amlodipine does not affect the kidney function or the urine output, unless there is an underlying renal problem or a drug interaction. The client should monitor their urination, but not expect a decrease.
Choice B reason: This is the correct answer. An increase in lower extremity edema is a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine can cause fluid retention and swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet. This is due to the dilation of the blood vessels and the leakage of fluid into the tissues. The client should monitor their weight and the size of their lower extremities, and report any significant changes to their health care provider. The client may also elevate their legs, wear compression stockings, or take diuretics to reduce the edema.
Choice C reason: This is not a correct answer. Tachycardia during exercise is not a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine can lower the heart rate and the cardiac output, which can reduce the oxygen demand of the heart. Amlodipine does not cause an increase in the heart rate, unless there is an underlying cardiac problem or a drug interaction. The client should monitor their pulse and blood pressure, but not expect tachycardia.
Choice D reason: This is not a correct answer. An increase in bowel motility is not a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine does not affect the gastrointestinal system or the digestion, unless there is an allergic reaction or a drug interaction. Amlodipine can cause some gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, abdominal pain, or constipation, but not an increase in bowel motility. The client should monitor their bowel movements, but not expect an increase.
Choice A reason: This is not a correct answer. A decrease in urination is not a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that lowers the blood pressure and relaxes the blood vessels. Amlodipine does not affect the kidney function or the urine output, unless there is an underlying renal problem or a drug interaction. The client should monitor their urination, but not expect a decrease.
Choice B reason: This is the correct answer. An increase in lower extremity edema is a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine can cause fluid retention and swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet. This is due to the dilation of the blood vessels and the leakage of fluid into the tissues. The client should monitor their weight and the size of their lower extremities, and report any significant changes to their health care provider. The client may also elevate their legs, wear compression stockings, or take diuretics to reduce the edema.
Choice C reason: This is not a correct answer. Tachycardia during exercise is not a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine can lower the heart rate and the cardiac output, which can reduce the oxygen demand of the heart. Amlodipine does not cause an increase in the heart rate, unless there is an underlying cardiac problem or a drug interaction. The client should monitor their pulse and blood pressure, but not expect tachycardia.
Choice D reason: This is not a correct answer. An increase in bowel motility is not a common side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine does not affect the gastrointestinal system or the digestion, unless there is an allergic reaction or a drug interaction. Amlodipine can cause some gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, abdominal pain, or constipation, but not an increase in bowel motility. The client should monitor their bowel movements, but not expect an increase.
Similar Questions
The nurse is reviewing the laboratory data of a client diagnosed with coronary artery disease. Which set of laboratory results indicates a need for client teaching regarding dietary modifications?
A. Cholesterol 200 mg/dL; HDL 35 mg/dL; triglycerides 190 mg/dL
This option is not correct because the cholesterol level is within the normal range of less than 200 mg/dL¹, the HDL level is slightly low but not too far from the recommended level of over 40 mg/dL for men and over 50 mg/dL for women¹, and the triglyceride level is also within the normal range of less than 150 mg/dL¹. Therefore, this set of laboratory results does not indicate a need for dietary modifications.
B. Cholesterol 120 mg/dL; HDL 50 mg/dL; triglycerides 140 mg/dL
This option is not correct because the cholesterol level is low, the HDL level is high, and the triglyceride level is normal. These are all desirable results that reflect a low risk of coronary artery disease¹. Therefore, this set of laboratory results does not indicate a need for dietary modifications.
C. Cholesterol 180 mg/dL; HDL 40 mg/dL; triglycerides 220 mg/dL
This option is correct because the cholesterol level is high, the HDL level is low, and the triglyceride level is high. These are all unfavorable results that reflect a high risk of coronary artery disease¹. High cholesterol and triglycerides can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, which can cause atherosclerosis and reduce blood flow to the heart². Low HDL can also increase the risk of heart disease because it does not help remove LDL (bad cholesterol) from the arteries². Therefore, this set of laboratory results indicates a need for dietary modifications, such as reducing saturated and trans fats, increasing fiber, and limiting alcohol³.
D. Cholesterol 165 mg/dL; HDL 54 mg/dL; triglycerides 160 mg/dL
This option is not correct because the cholesterol level is normal, the HDL level is high, and the triglyceride level is normal. These are all desirable results that reflect a low risk of coronary artery disease¹. Therefore, this set of laboratory results does not indicate a need for dietary modifications..
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: This option is not correct because the cholesterol level is within the normal range of less than 200 mg/dL¹, the HDL level is slightly low but not too far from the recommended level of over 40 mg/dL for men and over 50 mg/dL for women¹, and the triglyceride level is also within the normal range of less than 150 mg/dL¹. Therefore, this set of laboratory results does not indicate a need for dietary modifications.
Choice B reason: This option is not correct because the cholesterol level is low, the HDL level is high, and the triglyceride level is normal. These are all desirable results that reflect a low risk of coronary artery disease¹. Therefore, this set of laboratory results does not indicate a need for dietary modifications.
Choice C reason: This option is correct because the cholesterol level is high, the HDL level is low, and the triglyceride level is high. These are all unfavorable results that reflect a high risk of coronary artery disease¹. High cholesterol and triglycerides can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, which can cause atherosclerosis and reduce blood flow to the heart². Low HDL can also increase the risk of heart disease because it does not help remove LDL (bad cholesterol) from the arteries². Therefore, this set of laboratory results indicates a need for dietary modifications, such as reducing saturated and trans fats, increasing fiber, and limiting alcohol³.
Choice D reason: This option is not correct because the cholesterol level is normal, the HDL level is high, and the triglyceride level is normal. These are all desirable results that reflect a low risk of coronary artery disease¹. Therefore, this set of laboratory results does not indicate a need for dietary modifications..
The nurse is assisting a client diagnosed with hypertension with menu selection. Which items should the nurse suggest?
A. Fried chicken, baked beans, French fries, and cake
This is a high-fat, high-sodium, and high-calorie meal that is not suitable for a client with hypertension. Fried foods, processed meats, and baked beans are sources of saturated fat and sodium that can raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Cake is a source of added sugar that can contribute to obesity and diabetes.
B. Tomato soup, fried flounder, white rice, and a grapefruit
This is a moderate-fat, moderate-sodium, and moderate-calorie meal that is not ideal for a client with hypertension. Fried flounder and tomato soup are sources of fat and sodium that can increase blood pressure. White rice is a refined carbohydrate that can spike blood sugar levels and increase the risk of diabetes.
C. Barbecue pulled pork sandwich, fresh green beans, mashed potatoes, and ice cream
This is a high-fat, high-sodium, and high-calorie meal that is not appropriate for a client with hypertension. Barbecue pulled pork sandwich, mashed potatoes, and ice cream are sources of saturated fat and sodium that can elevate blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Fresh green beans are the only healthy component of this meal.
D. Baked tuna, fresh broccoli, brown rice, and fresh cantaloupe
This is a low-fat, low-sodium, and low-calorie meal that is suitable for a client with hypertension. Baked tuna, fresh broccoli, brown rice, and fresh cantaloupe are sources of lean protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, prevent obesity and diabetes, and promote cardiovascular health.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: This is a high-fat, high-sodium, and high-calorie meal that is not suitable for a client with hypertension. Fried foods, processed meats, and baked beans are sources of saturated fat and sodium that can raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Cake is a source of added sugar that can contribute to obesity and diabetes.
Choice B reason: This is a moderate-fat, moderate-sodium, and moderate-calorie meal that is not ideal for a client with hypertension. Fried flounder and tomato soup are sources of fat and sodium that can increase blood pressure. White rice is a refined carbohydrate that can spike blood sugar levels and increase the risk of diabetes.
Choice C reason: This is a high-fat, high-sodium, and high-calorie meal that is not appropriate for a client with hypertension. Barbecue pulled pork sandwich, mashed potatoes, and ice cream are sources of saturated fat and sodium that can elevate blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Fresh green beans are the only healthy component of this meal.
Choice D reason: This is a low-fat, low-sodium, and low-calorie meal that is suitable for a client with hypertension. Baked tuna, fresh broccoli, brown rice, and fresh cantaloupe are sources of lean protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, prevent obesity and diabetes, and promote cardiovascular health.
The nurse is reviewing the chart of a client with an indication of myocardial infarction or unstable angina. Which laboratory test result(s) should the nurse recognize as an indication of myocardial injury? (Select all that apply)
A. Elevated troponins
Elevated troponins. This is a correct answer. Troponins are proteins that regulate the myocardial contractile process². They are released into the bloodstream when the myocardial cells are damaged by ischemia or infarction². Troponins are highly specific and sensitive indicators of myocardial injury². The normal range for troponin I is less than 0.03 ng/mL and for troponin T is less than 0.01 ng/mL².
B. Decreased homocysteine levels
Decreased homocysteine levels. This is not a correct answer. Homocysteine is an amino acid that is involved in the metabolism of methionine². Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but they are not a direct marker of myocardial injury². The normal range for homocysteine is 5 to 15 micromol/L².
C. Elevated CK-MB
his is a correct answer. CK-MB is one of the isoenzymes of creatine kinase, an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of creatine to phosphocreatine, which is used for energy storage in the muscles². CK-MB is found mainly in the myocardium and is released into the blood when the myocardial cells are injured². CK-MB is a specific and sensitive marker of myocardial injury, but it is less specific than troponins². The normal range for CK-MB is 0 to 3 ng/mL².
D. Decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
Decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP).This is not a correct answer. ALP is an enzyme that is found in various tissues, such as the liver, bone, intestine, and placenta². ALP is not a marker of myocardial injury, and its levels are not affected by ischemia or infarction². The normal range for ALP is 30 to 120 U/L².
E. Increased platelet count
Increased platelet count.This is not a correct answer. Platelets are blood cells that are involved in hemostasis and clot formation². Increased platelet count, or thrombocytosis, can be a sign of inflammation, infection, malignancy, or other conditions². Platelet count is not a marker of myocardial injury, and it does not reflect the extent of ischemia or infarction². The normal range for platelet count is 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood².
Full Explanation
Choice A: Elevated troponins. This is a correct answer. Troponins are proteins that regulate the myocardial contractile process². They are released into the bloodstream when the myocardial cells are damaged by ischemia or infarction². Troponins are highly specific and sensitive indicators of myocardial injury². The normal range for troponin I is less than 0.03 ng/mL and for troponin T is less than 0.01 ng/mL².
Choice B: Decreased homocysteine levels. This is not a correct answer. Homocysteine is an amino acid that is involved in the metabolism of methionine². Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but they are not a direct marker of myocardial injury². The normal range for homocysteine is 5 to 15 micromol/L².
Choice C: Elevated CK-MB. This is a correct answer. CK-MB is one of the isoenzymes of creatine kinase, an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of creatine to phosphocreatine, which is used for energy storage in the muscles². CK-MB is found mainly in the myocardium and is released into the blood when the myocardial cells are injured². CK-MB is a specific and sensitive marker of myocardial injury, but it is less specific than troponins². The normal range for CK-MB is 0 to 3 ng/mL².
Choice D: Decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP).This is not a correct answer. ALP is an enzyme that is found in various tissues, such as the liver, bone, intestine, and placenta². ALP is not a marker of myocardial injury, and its levels are not affected by ischemia or infarction². The normal range for ALP is 30 to 120 U/L².
Choice E: Increased platelet count.This is not a correct answer. Platelets are blood cells that are involved in hemostasis and clot formation². Increased platelet count, or thrombocytosis, can be a sign of inflammation, infection, malignancy, or other conditions². Platelet count is not a marker of myocardial injury, and it does not reflect the extent of ischemia or infarction². The normal range for platelet count is 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood².