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 C
Explanation
A) Routinely exercise indoors:
Exercising indoors may be beneficial for individuals taking anticholinergic drugs to minimize the risk of heat-related complications. However, this option does not directly address the need to avoid extremes of temperature on exertion, which is crucial for preventing heat exhaustion and heat stroke. While indoor exercise can provide a controlled environment, it does not eliminate the risk entirely, especially if the indoor area is not adequately ventilated or air-conditioned.
B) Wear dark, warm clothing during the summer months:
Wearing dark, warm clothing during the summer months can exacerbate the risk of heat-related complications for individuals taking anticholinergic drugs. Dark clothing absorbs more heat from the sun, increasing body temperature, and warm clothing further contributes to heat retention. This option does not align with the goal of minimizing the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
C) Avoid extremes of temperature on exertion:
This is the correct answer. Avoiding extremes of temperature on exertion is essential for individuals taking anticholinergic drugs to reduce the risk of heat-related complications such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Exertion in hot environments can lead to excessive sweating and dehydration, further compromising thermoregulation. By avoiding extremes of temperature and moderating exertion, individuals can better regulate body temperature and minimize the risk of heat-related adverse effects.
D) Take frequent showers in the evenings and early mornings:
While taking frequent showers in the evenings and early mornings may help cool the body and reduce the risk of heat-related discomfort, it does not specifically address the need to avoid extremes of temperature on exertion. While personal hygiene practices are important, they should be supplemented with measures aimed at preventing heat-related complications, such as avoiding exertion in extreme temperatures. Therefore, this option does not fully meet the goal of minimizing the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke for individuals taking anticholinergic drugs.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Temperature and respiratory rate:
While monitoring temperature and respiratory rate are important aspects of a comprehensive assessment, they are not the priority assessments before administering metoprolol. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker primarily used to lower heart rate and blood pressure, so assessing the client's heart rate and blood pressure is more relevant.
B) Heart rate and blood pressure:
This is the correct answer. Before administering metoprolol, it is essential to assess the client's heart rate and blood pressure. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker medication that primarily affects heart rate and blood pressure. Monitoring these vital signs helps ensure that the medication is administered safely and effectively.
C) Level of consciousness and pain level:
Assessing the client's level of consciousness and pain level are important aspects of nursing care, but they are not the priority assessments before administering metoprolol. These assessments may be relevant depending on the client's overall condition and specific care needs, but they are not directly related to the action or side effects of metoprolol.
D) Oxygen saturation and respiratory rate:
Monitoring oxygen saturation and respiratory rate are important aspects of respiratory assessment, but they are not the priority assessments before administering metoprolol. While metoprolol can affect respiratory function as a potential side effect, its primary action is on heart rate and blood pressure. Therefore, assessing heart rate and blood pressure are more pertinent before administering this medication.
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