A client who receives multiple antihypertensive medications experiences syncope due to a drop in blood pressure to 70/40 mm Hg. Which is the rationale for the nurse's decision to hold the client's scheduled antihypertensive medications?
Increased urinary clearance of the multiple medications has produced diuresis and lowered the blood pressure.
The synergistic effect of the multiple medications has resulted in drug toxicity and hypotension.
The antagonistic interaction among the various blood pressure medications has reduced their effectiveness.
The additive effect of multiple medications has caused the blood pressure to drop too low.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Increased urinary clearance of the multiple medications is not the cause of the client's syncope. Diuresis is a common side effect of some antihypertensive medications, such as diuretics, but it does not lower the blood pressure to a dangerous level. The nurse should monitor the client's fluid and electrolyte balance and urine output, but it is not the priority action in this situation.
Choice B reason: The synergistic effect of the multiple medications is not the cause of the client's syncope. Synergism is when two or more drugs work together to produce a greater effect than the sum of their individual effects. This can be beneficial or harmful, depending on the drugs and the doses. The nurse should check the client's medication history and avoid prescribing drugs that have a negative synergistic effect, but it is not the most likely explanation for the client's hypotension.
Choice C reason: The antagonistic interaction among the various blood pressure medications is not the cause of the client's syncope. Antagonism is when two or more drugs work against each other to reduce or cancel out their effects. This can decrease the effectiveness of the treatment and increase the risk of complications. The nurse should check the client's medication history and avoid prescribing drugs that have a negative antagonistic effect, but it is not the most likely explanation for the client's hypotension.
Choice D reason: The additive effect of multiple medications is the most likely cause of the client's syncope. Additivity is when two or more drugs have a similar effect and their combined effect is equal to the sum of their individual effects. This can lower the blood pressure too much and cause symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, and shock. The nurse should hold the client's scheduled antihypertensive medications and notify the healthcare provider. The nurse should also monitor the client's vital signs, level of consciousness, and perfusion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Diarrhea is not a contraindication for phenylephrine, which is a decongestant that reduces swelling and mucus in the nasal passages. However, the nurse should monitor the client's fluid and electrolyte balance and provide adequate hydration.
Choice B reason: Bronchitis is not a contraindication for phenylephrine, which may help relieve some of the symptoms of bronchitis, such as nasal congestion and cough. However, the nurse should also encourage the client to use other measures, such as steam inhalation, expectorants, and rest.
Choice C reason: Hypertension is a contraindication for phenylephrine, which can increase blood pressure and heart rate by constricting blood vessels. The nurse should report this condition to the healthcare provider and withhold the medication until further orders.
Choice D reason: Edema is not a contraindication for phenylephrine, which does not affect fluid retention or distribution. However, the nurse should assess the cause of edema and monitor the client's weight and urine output.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the first action for the nurse to implement. Determining when the last dose was administered is important to prevent overdose and adverse effects of pain medication, but it is not the most immediate intervention. The nurse should first assess the client's pain level and intensity using a pain scale, such as a numeric or a visual analog scale, to determine the appropriate dose and frequency of pain medication.
Choice B reason: This is not the first action for the nurse to implement. Encouraging the client to use diversional thoughts to manage pain is a nonpharmacological strategy that may help reduce the perception of pain and enhance coping, but it is not the most effective intervention. The nurse should first assess the client's pain level and intensity using a pain scale, and then provide pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions as needed.
Choice C reason: This is not the first action for the nurse to implement. Reviewing the history for a past use of recreational drugs is relevant to identify the risk of addiction, tolerance, or withdrawal from pain medication, but it is not the most urgent intervention. The nurse should first assess the client's pain level and intensity using a pain scale, and then consider the client's history and preferences when selecting the type and dose of pain medication.
Choice D reason: This is the first action for the nurse to implement. Asking the client to rate the current level of pain using a pain scale is the most appropriate and accurate way to assess the client's pain and its impact on the client's recovery and quality of life. The nurse should use a pain scale that is suitable for the client's age, cognitive ability, and language, and ask the client to rate the pain at rest and with movement. The nurse should also ask the client about the location, quality, duration, and aggravating or relieving factors of the pain. The nurse should use the pain assessment as the basis for planning and implementing pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions for pain management.
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