A client with nasal congestion receives a prescription for phenylephrine 10 mg PO every 4 hours. Which client condition should the nurse report to the healthcare provider before administering the medication?
Hypertension.
Bronchitis.
Edema.
Diarrhea.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Hypertension: Phenylephrine is a decongestant that works by constricting blood vessels, which can raise blood pressure. In clients with hypertension, phenylephrine can exacerbate their condition and lead to potentially serious complications. Therefore, the nurse should report hypertension to the healthcare provider before administering phenylephrine to ensure that it is used safely or to consider alternative treatments.
B. Bronchitis: While bronchitis can cause nasal congestion, it is not a contraindication for phenylephrine. However, if the client has bronchitis with significant respiratory distress, the nurse should be cautious, as decongestants can sometimes worsen breathing issues, but it is not the primary condition to report.
C. Edema: Edema, or swelling, is not a direct contraindication for phenylephrine. However, it is important to consider the underlying cause of the edema and whether it could impact the use of decongestants. Nonetheless, hypertension remains the more critical condition to address before administering this medication.
D. Diarrhea: Diarrhea is not a condition that typically contraindicates the use of phenylephrine. While it is important to monitor the client's overall condition, diarrhea does not directly interact with or affect the safety of phenylephrine use in the same way hypertension does.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Determine presence of abdominal pain: Chronic use of ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers or bleeding. Abdominal pain is a critical symptom that can indicate these serious side effects. Therefore, assessing for abdominal pain is the most important action to identify potential adverse effects related to prolonged NSAID use.
B. Palpate volume of pedal pulses: While assessing pedal pulses is important for evaluating circulation and potential peripheral vascular issues, it is not the primary concern related to the long-term use of ibuprofen. This assessment does not directly address the potential gastrointestinal complications of NSAID use.
C. Assess back pain using numeric scale: Although it is important to monitor the effectiveness of ibuprofen in managing back pain, this assessment does not address the potential side effects of prolonged use. Evaluating pain levels is useful for treatment efficacy but is secondary to monitoring for adverse effects.
D. Evaluate ongoing sleep patterns: While sleep patterns can be affected by pain or medication, they are not the most immediate concern regarding the side effects of long-term ibuprofen use. The potential gastrointestinal issues related to NSAID use take precedence.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Wear padding to protect from bruising if a fall occurs: While safety is important, oxybutynin, an anticholinergic medication used for overactive bladder, does not typically increase the risk of falls or bruising. Therefore, this instruction is less relevant to the specific concerns associated with taking oxybutynin.
B. Avoid crowds to help prevent acquiring infections: Avoiding crowds can be a general precaution for various health conditions or treatments but is not specifically related to the use of oxybutynin. This medication does not have a significant impact on infection risk.
C. Keep skin and eyes covered to protect from sun injury: While oxybutynin may cause some sensitivity to sunlight, it is not a primary concern compared to other side effects. The primary issue related to oxybutynin in the context of physical activity is managing hydration and body temperature.
D. Take measures to avoid dehydration and over-heating: This is the most important instruction for a client taking oxybutynin, especially when training for a marathon. Oxybutynin can cause reduced sweating due to its anticholinergic effects, increasing the risk of dehydration and overheating. The nurse should emphasize the importance of staying hydrated and avoiding excessive heat to prevent complications during physical activity.
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