A nurse is collecting data from a client who is taking dimenhydrinate to treat motion sickness. Which of the following findings is an adverse effect of this medication?
Drowsiness
Hypertension
Polyuria
Dependent edema
The Correct Answer is A
A. Drowsiness. Dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine that works by blocking histamine and acetylcholine receptors in the brain to prevent nausea and vomiting. A common adverse effect is drowsiness due to its sedative properties, which can impair alertness and coordination. Clients should be advised to avoid activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving, until they understand how the medication affects them.
B. Hypertension. Dimenhydrinate does not typically cause hypertension. Instead, it may lead to mild hypotension due to its sedative and anticholinergic effects. Clients with pre-existing hypertension should still monitor their blood pressure, but significant increases are uncommon.
C. Polyuria. Increased urination is not associated with dimenhydrinate use. Antihistamines, including dimenhydrinate, have anticholinergic properties, which can lead to urinary retention rather than increased urine output. Clients experiencing difficulty urinating should report this to their healthcare provider.
D. Dependent edema. Dimenhydrinate does not cause fluid retention or edema. Medications that contribute to edema typically involve hormonal, cardiovascular, or kidney-related effects, which are not mechanisms of dimenhydrinate. If a client develops unexplained edema, other underlying conditions should be investigated.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Cover the administration area with plastic wrap. After applying nitroglycerin ointment, the area should be covered with plastic wrap or a transparent dressing to prevent evaporation and ensure proper absorption through the skin. This also helps prevent the medication from accidentally transferring to another person or clothing.
B. Massage the ointment into the skin. Nitroglycerin ointment should not be massaged into the skin, as this can cause rapid absorption and lead to hypotension and dizziness due to vasodilation. Instead, it should be applied as a thin, even layer and covered with a dressing.
C. Spread the ointment in a 10 cm² (4 in²) area. The correct application method involves measuring the exact prescribed amount (e.g., using the applicator paper) and applying it in a thin layer. The area of application may vary based on the dosage, but the focus should be on accurate measurement, not a specific area size.
D. Apply the ointment in a thick layer. A thick application is unnecessary and could increase absorption too quickly, leading to side effects such as headache, dizziness, and hypotension. Instead, a measured dose should be spread thinly and evenly onto clean, dry skin.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Restart the infusion in the other extremity. While the IV infusion will need to be restarted in a new site, the priority after discontinuing the infusion is to manage the complications of IV infiltration. Restarting the infusion should be done after addressing the swelling and discomfort in the affected limb.
B. Elevate the extremity. Elevating the extremity reduces swelling and promotes fluid reabsorption following an IV infiltration. This helps minimize pain, tissue damage, and further complications, such as compartment syndrome. It is the next priority action after stopping the infusion.
C. Remove the catheter. The catheter should already be removed when the infusion is discontinued due to suspected infiltration. Keeping it in place could worsen tissue swelling and damage. If the catheter has not been removed yet, doing so is essential, but managing swelling and discomfort remains the priority after removal.
D. Apply warm, moist compresses to the site. Warm compresses are typically used for extravasation of non-vesicant solutions to promote circulation and absorption. However, in cases of severe infiltration or swelling, cold compresses may be used initially to reduce inflammation before applying warmth. The priority action is elevation, followed by applying appropriate compresses based on facility protocol.
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