A nurse is caring for a client who is prescribed amiodarone for the treatment of arrhythmias. Which of the following should the nurse monitor for as an adverse effect of this medication? (Select all that apply)

Amiodarone is a medication used to treat irregular heartbeats, but it can cause various adverse effects, such as:

• Photosensitivity, which means increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight and risk of sunburn.

This can be prevented by wearing protective clothing and sunscreen when outdoors.

• Pulmonary toxicity, which means damage to the lungs that can cause inflammation, scarring, or difficulty breathing.

This can be fatal in some cases and requires regular monitoring of chest X-rays and pulmonary function tests.

• Thyroid dysfunction, which means abnormal levels of thyroid hormones that can affect metabolism, energy, and mood.

This can be either hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) or hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormone) and requires regular monitoring of thyroid function tests.

Choice A and B are wrong because amiodarone can causebradycardia(slow heartbeat) andhypotension(low blood pressure), not the opposite.

These effects can be serious and require close monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure.

This can help to elevate the chest and open up the airways, reducing shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.Propranolol is a beta blocker that can cause side effects such as slower heart rate, fatigue, dizziness, cold hands and feet, and Raynaud’s phenomenon. These side effects can worsen breathing problems, especially when lying down flat.

Choice B is wrong because sleeping on the left side may not be enough to improve breathing.It may also cause more pressure on the heart and lungs, which can affect blood circulation and oxygen delivery.

Choice C is wrong because sleeping on the right side may not be helpful for breathing either.Some research suggests that sleeping on the right side can make breathing more difficult for some people with obstructive sleep apnea.

Choice D is wrong because sleeping on the back can increase snoring, sleep apnea, and reflux symptoms, which can all interfere with breathing.Sleeping on the back can also cause the tongue and soft palate to block the airway, reducing oxygen intake.