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","B","C","D"]
Explanation
- A: Correct. Firmly massaging the uterine fundus helps to contract the uterus and reduce bleeding.
- B: Correct. Providing emotional support helps to calm the client and reduce anxiety, which can worsen bleeding.
- C: Correct. Administering oxygen helps to improve tissue perfusion and oxygenation, which can be compromised by blood loss. Weighing the perineal pads helps to quantify the amount of blood loss and monitor for hemorrhage.
- D: Correct. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter helps to empty the bladder and allow the uterus to descend and contract more effectively. Administering methylergonovine helps to stimulate uterine contractions and control bleeding.
- E: Incorrect. Administering terbutaline is contraindicated in this situation, as it relaxes the uterine smooth muscle and increases bleeding.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Insomnia is a common side effect of sertraline and many other antidepressant medications. It is not indicative of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by excessive serotonin levels in the brain.
Choice B rationale:
Constipation is a side effect of some antidepressant medications, including sertraline. It is not a symptom of serotonin syndrome, which presents with a combination of symptoms such as confusion, agitation, rapid heart rate, dilated pupils, muscle rigidity, and high body temperature.
Choice C rationale:
Dry mouth is another common side effect of sertraline and many other medications. While uncomfortable, it is not a sign of serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome are neurological and autonomic, involving changes in mental status, muscle activity, and vital signs.
Choice D rationale:
Excessive sweating, also known as diaphoresis, can be a symptom of serotonin syndrome. Other symptoms might include agitation, tremor, hyperreflexia, fever, dilated pupils, and diarrhea. If a patient experiences these symptoms while taking sertraline, it could indicate serotonin syndrome and should be reported immediately for medical evaluation.
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