A nurse is assessing a client who has ovarian cancer and is receiving paclitaxel. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?
Alopecia
Muscle pain
Nausea
Bradycardia
The Correct Answer is D
A. Alopecia: Alopecia, or hair loss, is a common side effect of many chemotherapy drugs, including paclitaxel. While it can be distressing for the client, alopecia is not a life-threatening side effect and does not require immediate intervention. It is essential for the nurse to provide emotional support to the client experiencing hair loss and educate them about potential ways to cope with it.
B. Muscle pain: Muscle pain, also known as myalgia, is another common side effect of paclitaxel and many other chemotherapy agents. While it can cause discomfort for the client, myalgia is generally managed with pain medications and supportive care. It is not a priority finding that requires immediate reporting to the provider unless it becomes severe or debilitating.
C. Nausea: Nausea is a well-known side effect of chemotherapy, including paclitaxel. It is often managed with antiemetic medications and other supportive measures. While severe or persistent nausea can lead to dehydration and other complications, it is not an immediate life-threatening concern in most cases.
D. Bradycardia: This is the correct answer. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is a less common but more concerning side effect of paclitaxel. It may indicate potential cardiac toxicity, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication. The healthcare provider should be notified promptly so that appropriate evaluation and intervention can be initiated to manage any cardiac issues and prevent further complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Flumazenil is the antidote for diazepam, which is a benzodiazepine. Flumazenil is a selective antagonist that can reverse the sedative effects of benzodiazepines and is commonly used in cases of benzodiazepine overdose or to reverse sedation after procedures.
Naloxone (A) is the antidote for opioid overdose and would not be appropriate for reversing the effects of diazepam.
Atropine (B) is an anticholinergic medication used to increase heart rate and is not specific to the reversal of diazepam sedation.
Neostigmine (D) is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to reverse the effects of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents and is not indicated for reversing the effects of diazepam.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should include tinnitus (ringing in the ears) as an adverse effect of gentamicin in the client's teaching. Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections. One of the potential side effects of gentamicin is damage to the inner ear, which can lead to tinnitus.
Tinnitus is a concerning symptom as it may indicate ototoxicity, which is damage to the structures of the inner ear responsible for hearing and balance. If the client experiences tinnitus while taking gentamicin, it is essential to notify the healthcare provider immediately to assess the severity of the issue and consider appropriate interventions.
Let's go through the other options and explain why they are not adverse effects of gentamicin:
A. Urinary frequency: Urinary frequency is not a common adverse effect of gentamicin. Gentamicin primarily affects the kidneys, and its main concern is related to potential nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) rather than causing urinary frequency.
B. Constipation: Constipation is not an adverse effect typically associated with gentamicin. Gentamicin is not known to affect the gastrointestinal system or cause constipation.
C. Hypertension: Hypertension (high blood pressure) is not a known adverse effect of gentamicin. Gentamicin primarily affects the kidneys and the inner ear, as mentioned earlier, but it does not significantly impact blood pressure.
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