A client is prescribed oral amiodarone for recurrent ventricular dysrhythmias. The nurse should teach the client to notify the physician if which symptom develops?
Edema of ankles
Shortness of breath
Fatigue after exercise
Abdominal fullness
The Correct Answer is B
A. Edema of ankles: While peripheral edema may be associated with worsening cardiac function or side effects from other medications, it is not a hallmark adverse effect of amiodarone. It warrants evaluation but is not the most urgent symptom related to this drug.
B. Shortness of breath: Amiodarone is a potent antiarrhythmic medication with several potential serious side effects, including pulmonary toxicity. This can manifest as interstitial pneumonitis or pulmonary fibrosis, which may present as new or worsening shortness of breath cough, and chest pain. This is a potentially life-threatening complication and requires immediate medical attention.
C. Fatigue after exercise: Exercise-induced fatigue can result from many conditions, including heart disease or deconditioning, but it is a nonspecific symptom. It does not point directly to a serious adverse reaction from amiodarone.
D. Abdominal fullness: Abdominal fullness is not typically associated with amiodarone. It may relate to gastrointestinal or hepatic issues, but it is not as immediately concerning as respiratory symptoms suggestive of pulmonary toxicity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. BP 105/70 manually & flat neck veins: This blood pressure is within a low-normal range, and flat neck veins suggest no evidence of right-sided heart failure or cardiac tamponade. Though the patient needs evaluation, these findings are not emergent.
B. Equal breath sounds with a respiratory rate of 28: A mildly elevated respiratory rate can indicate distress, but equal breath sounds suggest the absence of pneumothorax or hemothorax. While the patient is symptomatic, this finding alone doesn't demand the most urgent intervention.
C. Distended neck veins & muffled heart sounds: These are classic signs of cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening emergency that can occur due to pacemaker lead perforation. This condition results in fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac, impairing cardiac output and requiring immediate intervention such as pericardiocentesis.
D. Heart rate 105 & respiratory rate of 28: These are signs of physiological compensation and indicate stress or early decompensation. However, without signs like neck vein distention or muffled heart sounds, they are less critical than the findings in option C.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. gabapentin & acetaminophen: While acetaminophen may help with pain relief, gabapentin is primarily used for neuropathic pain and not effective for the inflammatory chest pain associated with pericarditis. These medications do not address the positional nature of pericardial pain.
B. extended release opioids: Opioids may provide general pain relief but are not the standard treatment for pericarditis-related pain. They do not address the inflammatory cause and carry risks of sedation and respiratory depression without improving cardiac inflammation.
C. sitting & leaning forward: Pericarditis pain is classically relieved by having the patient sit up and lean forward. This position reduces pressure on the pericardium and decreases pain by allowing the inflamed pericardial layers to separate slightly, reducing friction.
D. supine with head of bed 15 degrees: Lying flat or even slightly elevated can worsen pericarditis pain because it increases pressure on the inflamed pericardium. Patients often report increased discomfort in the supine position, making it less favorable for symptom relief.
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