A nurse is caring for an older adult patient with left-sided heart failure. What assessment findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A rationale

Constipation is a potential side effect of aripiprazole, but it is not typically a serious concern that would require notifying the provider.

Choice B rationale

Weight gain of 5 lb in 1 month could be a side effect of aripiprazole, but it is not typically a serious concern that would require notifying the provider.

Choice C rationale

Insomnia is a potential side effect of aripiprazole, but it is not typically a serious concern that would require notifying the provider.

Choice D rationale

Muscle stiffness could be a sign of a serious side effect of aripiprazole known as extrapyramidal symptoms. This could include conditions such as dystonia, akathisia, and Parkinsonism. If a patient experiences muscle stiffness while taking aripiprazole, the healthcare provider should be notified.

Choice A rationale: CNS manifestations such as headaches are not a therapeutic effect of nafarelin. These are side effects of the medication. Nafarelin, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, works by reducing the production of estrogen in the body. This can lead to a variety of side effects, including headaches. While these side effects can be bothersome, they do not indicate that the medication is effectively treating the endometriosis.

Choice B rationale: The reduction in pain level during sexual intercourse, or dyspareunia, is a therapeutic effect of nafarelin. Endometriosis can cause painful sexual intercourse, and one of the goals of treatment with nafarelin is to reduce this pain. The client’s report of decreased dyspareunia suggests that the nafarelin is effectively treating the endometriosis.

Choice C rationale: Changes in the nasal mucosa, such as irritation, are not a therapeutic effect of nafarelin. These are side effects of the medication. Nafarelin is administered intranasally, which can lead to irritation of the nasal mucosa. While this side effect can be bothersome, it does not indicate that the medication is effectively treating the endometriosis.

Choice D rationale: Changes in breast size are not a therapeutic effect of nafarelin. These are side effects of the medication. Nafarelin can cause a variety of side effects, including changes in breast size. While this side effect can be bothersome, it does not indicate that the medication is effectively treating the endometriosis.

Choice E rationale: The absence of menstruation, or amenorrhea, is a therapeutic effect of nafarelin. Nafarelin works by reducing the production of estrogen in the body, which can lead to a temporary halt in menstruation. This is a therapeutic effect as it can help to reduce the pain and other symptoms associated with endometriosis.

Choice F rationale: Dermatological manifestations such as increased acne are not a therapeutic effect of nafarelin. These are side effects of the medication. Nafarelin can cause a variety of side effects, including increased acne. While this side effect can be bothersome, it does not indicate that the medication is effectively treating the endometriosis.