A nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed ondansetron (Zofran) for postoperative nausea and vomiting. Which of the following is a complication associated with this medication?
Prolonged QT interval
Extrapyramidal symptoms
Nausea
Vomiting
The Correct Answer is A
A. Prolonged QT interval – This is correct. Ondansetron can cause prolongation of the QT interval, increasing the risk of arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes. This is a serious complication that requires monitoring, particularly in clients with cardiac risks.
B. Extrapyramidal symptoms – This is incorrect. Ondansetron does not typically cause extrapyramidal symptoms, which are more associated with dopamine antagonists like metoclopramide or prochlorperazine.
C. Nausea – This is incorrect. Ondansetron is specifically used to treat nausea and vomiting, not to cause them. If nausea persists, it may indicate treatment failure or another underlying issue.
D. Vomiting – This is incorrect. Ondansetron is an antiemetic and works to prevent vomiting. Vomiting would not be a complication of this medication under proper use.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. 4 teaspoons – This is incorrect because 4 teaspoons would provide 400 mg (100 mg x 4 = 400 mg), but the correct dose per administration is 400 mg. However, this is not the correct calculation, as only 2 teaspoons are needed.
B. 2 teaspoons – This is correct. The prescribed dose is 400 mg, and since the medication concentration is 100 mg per teaspoon, 2 teaspoons (100 mg x 2 = 200 mg) is the correct dose for each administration.
C. 1 teaspoon – This is incorrect because 1 teaspoon would only provide 100 mg, and the prescribed dose is 400 mg. This is not enough to meet the prescribed dose.
D. 3 teaspoons – This is incorrect because 3 teaspoons would provide 300 mg (100 mg x 3 = 300 mg), which is not enough to meet the prescribed 400 mg dose.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Hypothyroidism: This is incorrect. The client is taking levothyroxine (Synthroid) to treat hypothyroidism, and the symptoms described (diarrhea, weight loss, palpitations, heat intolerance) are more likely associated with excess thyroid hormone, not a lack of it.
B. Thyrotoxicosis: This is correct. The symptoms the client is experiencing—diarrhea, weight loss, palpitations, and heat intolerance—are classic signs of thyrotoxicosis, which occurs when there is an excess of thyroid hormone, possibly due to overtreatment with levothyroxine. These symptoms indicate that the thyroid hormone dose might need adjustment.
C. Addison's Disease: This is incorrect. Addison's disease is characterized by insufficient production of adrenal hormones and would typically manifest with symptoms such as fatigue, hypotension, and hyperpigmentation, not diarrhea or heat intolerance.
D. Cushing's Disease: This is incorrect. Cushing's disease is caused by excess cortisol and would typically result in symptoms such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and a round "moon" face, rather than the symptoms described in the question.
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