A 27-year-old male is taking an anticholinergic drug as adjunctive therapy to treat his peptic ulcer disease. The client comes to the clinic and tells the nurse that he "feels his heart beating." What adverse effect is the client experiencing from the anticholinergic medication?
Urinary Frequency
Tachycardia
Tachypnea
Hypotension
The Correct Answer is B
B) Tachycardia:
Anticholinergic drugs, by blocking the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, can lead to increased sympathetic activity, resulting in tachycardia. Acetylcholine normally acts to moderate heart rate via vagal stimulation, so blocking its effects with anticholinergic medications can lead to an unopposed sympathetic response, causing an increase in heart rate.
A) Urinary Frequency:
Anticholinergic drugs typically cause urinary retention rather than urinary frequency. By blocking muscarinic receptors in the bladder, these medications can lead to decreased bladder contractility and urinary retention. Urinary frequency is not a common adverse effect of anticholinergic drugs.
C) Tachypnea:
Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, is not a typical adverse effect of anticholinergic medications. While anticholinergic drugs can affect respiratory secretions and cause drying of mucous membranes, leading to potential respiratory issues, tachypnea specifically is not commonly associated with their use.
D) Hypotension:
Anticholinergic drugs are more likely to cause hypertension rather than hypotension. By blocking the parasympathetic nervous system, these medications can lead to sympathetic dominance, resulting in increased blood pressure. Hypotension is not a typical adverse effect of anticholinergic drugs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Increasing GI motility and promoting bowel movements:
Laxatives work by increasing gastrointestinal motility, which stimulates the movement of fecal matter through the intestines. This promotes bowel movements and helps alleviate constipation.
B) Preventing incontinent clients from soiling themselves:
Laxatives are not typically used to prevent incontinence. Their primary function is to relieve constipation by promoting bowel movements.
C) Reducing inflammation in the intestinal lining:
Laxatives do not have a direct effect on reducing inflammation in the intestinal lining. They primarily act on bowel motility to facilitate the passage of stool.
D) Suppressing the immune response that causes inflammation:
Laxatives do not suppress the immune response or treat inflammation. They are specifically designed to relieve constipation by promoting bowel movements."
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Take this medication with food:
Captopril is an ACE inhibitor, known to work best on an empty stomach. Food can reduce its absorption, impacting its effectiveness. Thus, while clients can take captopril with or without food, it's generally recommended to take it on an empty stomach for optimal results.
B) Monitor for a cough:
Captopril, an ACE inhibitor, commonly induces a persistent, dry cough due to the accumulation of bradykinin. This side effect can be bothersome and may necessitate discontinuation of the medication. Therefore, patients should be vigilant for the onset of a cough and promptly report it to their healthcare provider.
C) Avoid bananas:
Although captopril can occasionally lead to hyperkalemia, advising patients to avoid bananas specifically may not be necessary. While bananas are potassium-rich, restricting them alone might not significantly impact potassium levels. However, patients should be educated on monitoring potassium intake and informed of potential dietary modifications if hyperkalemia occurs.
D) Hold medication for heart rate less than 100/min:
Captopril is not known to directly affect heart rate. This instruction may be more applicable to medications like beta-blockers, which can lower heart rate as part of their mechanism of action. Therefore, holding captopril for heart rates below 100/min may not be clinically indicated.
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