A nurse is assessing a client who has major depressive disorder and is taking amitriptyline.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an adverse effect of the medication?
Diarrhea
Frequent urination
Excessive salivation
Blurred vision
The Correct Answer is D
- A. Diarrhea is not an adverse effect of amitriptyline, which is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). Diarrhea may be caused by other factors, such as infection, food intolerance, or stress. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
- B. Frequent urination is not an adverse effect of amitriptyline either. Frequent urination may be a sign of diabetes, urinary tract infection, or other conditions that affect the kidneys or bladder. Therefore, this choice is also incorrect.
- C. Excessive salivation is not an adverse effect of amitriptyline as well. Excessive salivation may be due to increased production of saliva, difficulty swallowing, or mouth irritation. Therefore, this choice is incorrect too.
- D. Blurred vision is an adverse effect of amitriptyline and other TCAs. Amitriptyline can cause anticholinergic effects, such as dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and blurred vision. These effects are more pronounced in older adults and can impair their daily functioning and quality of life. Therefore, this choice is correct and the nurse should identify it as an adverse effect of the medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
"I will not allow anyone to smoke near my baby."
- A. Correct. Avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke is one of the measures to prevent SIDS, as it can affect the respiratory function and arousal of the newborn.
- B. Incorrect. Placing bumper pads in the baby's crib is not recommended, as they can pose a suffocation or strangulation hazard for the newborn.
- C. Incorrect. Placing the baby's head on a pillow for sleeping is not advised, as it can increase the risk of suffocation or rebreathing of carbon dioxide for the newborn.
- D. Incorrect. Placing the baby in a side-lying position for sleeping is not suggested, as it can increase the likelihood of rolling over to a prone position, which is associated with a higher incidence of SIDS.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Irritability is a common withdrawal symptom in newborns exposed to cocaine during pregnancy. Cocaine exposure can lead to irritability, restlessness, and difficulty in consoling the newborn.
Choice B rationale:
Hypotonicity, or decreased muscle tone, is not a common finding associated with cocaine exposure in newborns. Cocaine exposure more commonly results in hypertonicity, where the muscles are tense and rigid.
Choice C rationale:
Decreased auditory startle response is not a typical finding associated with cocaine exposure. Newborns exposed to cocaine may have an exaggerated startle response, which is the opposite of the expected finding in this case.
Choice D rationale:
Increased head circumference is not a characteristic finding associated with cocaine exposure. Cocaine exposure is more likely to cause growth restriction, low birth weight, and microcephaly (small head size) in newborns.
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