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
Irritability.
The rationale for each choice is as follows:
- A. Irritability: Correct. Irritability is one of the signs of hypoglycemia, which occurs when blood glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). Other signs include shakiness, sweating, hunger, headache, confusion, and blurred vision.
- B. Increased urination: Incorrect. Increased urination is one of the signs of hyperglycemia, which occurs when blood glucose levels rise above 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L). Other signs include thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, nausea, and fruity breath odor.
- C. Vomiting: Incorrect. Vomiting is not a specific sign of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, but it can occur as a complication of either condition if left untreated or poorly managed.
- D.Facial flushing: Incorrect. Facial flushing is not a sign of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, but it can occur as a side effect of some medications used to treat diabetes, such as niacin or rosiglitazone.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
- A. Calories is incorrect. Clients with Crohn's disease and enteroenteric fistula need adequate calories to prevent malnutrition and weight loss due to inflammation, malabsorption, and increased metabolic rate.
- B. Protein is incorrect. Clients with Crohn's disease and enteroenteric fistula need adequate protein to promote tissue healing and prevent protein-losing enteropathy.
- C. Potassium is incorrect. Clients with Crohn's disease and enteroenteric fistula are at risk of hypokalemia due to diarrhea, vomiting, and fistula drainage. They need to increase their potassium intake to prevent electrolyte imbalance and cardiac complications.
- D. Fiber is correct. Clients with Crohn's disease and enteroenteric fistula should decrease their fiber intake to reduce intestinal motility, bulk, and gas production, which can worsen the inflammation and fistula formation.
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