A client with bleeding esophageal varices receives vasopressin intravenously (IV). Which adverse effect should the nurse monitor for during the IV infusion of this medication?

Choice A rationale:

Review the client's serum calcium level. Rationale: Checking the client's serum calcium level is not the most appropriate action in this situation. Hand and finger spasms during blood pressure measurement are more likely due to discomfort or muscle tension than a calcium deficiency. There is no immediate indication that the client's calcium level needs to be assessed urgently.

Choice B rationale:

Administer an as-needed (PRN) antianxiety medication. Rationale: Administering an antianxiety medication is not indicated in this situation. The client's symptoms of hand and finger spasms during blood pressure measurement are not likely related to anxiety. It is essential to address the immediate issue of obtaining an accurate blood pressure reading.

Choice C rationale:

Ask the UAP to take the blood pressure in the other arm. Rationale: This is the correct answer. When the UAP reports spasms in the client's right hand and fingers while taking blood pressure using the same arm, the nurse should prioritize obtaining an accurate blood pressure measurement. Asking the UAP to use the other arm can help ensure a more reliable reading. Muscle spasms in the arm being used for blood pressure measurement can lead to inaccurate results.

Choice D rationale:

Tell the UAP to use a different sphygmomanometer. Rationale: In this scenario, the issue appears to be related to muscle spasms in the client's hand and fingers rather than the sphygmomanometer itself. Changing the sphygmomanometer is unlikely to resolve the problem. The priority is to obtain an accurate blood pressure reading by addressing the spasms in the arm being used.

Choice A rationale:

An altered level of consciousness is not a typical finding in Alzheimer's disease. This condition is characterized by cognitive decline and memory impairment, but consciousness itself is not directly affected.

Choice B rationale:

Rapid mood swings can occur in individuals with Alzheimer's disease due to the changes in brain structure and function. These mood swings are a common behavioral symptom. However, the more distinctive hallmark of Alzheimer's disease is the cognitive decline rather than mood swings.

Choice C rationale:

Excessive motor activity is not a prominent feature of Alzheimer's disease. Instead, individuals with Alzheimer's disease often experience a decline in motor skills and coordination as the disease progresses.

Choice D rationale:

Failure to recognize familiar objects is a common symptom of Alzheimer's disease. This is referred to as agnosia, where individuals may struggle to recognize familiar people, objects, or places. It results from the progressive damage to brain regions responsible for memory and sensory processing.