A nurse is reinforcing postoperative teaching with a client who has a prescription for enoxaparin to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching as a potential adverse effect of this medication?
Ringing in the ears
Black, tarry stools
Fine hand tremors
Diarrhea
The Correct Answer is B
A. Ringing in the ears: Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) is not a common adverse effect of enoxaparin. It is typically associated with medications like aspirin or other salicylates, not low-molecular-weight heparins like enoxaparin.
B. Black, tarry stools: Black, tarry stools are a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a serious potential adverse effect of anticoagulant medications like enoxaparin. Clients taking enoxaparin should be instructed to report this symptom immediately, as it could indicate internal bleeding.
C. Fine hand tremors: Fine hand tremors are not a known adverse effect of enoxaparin. They are more commonly associated with other medications, such as certain psychiatric drugs or neurologic conditions.
D. Diarrhea: Diarrhea is not a common adverse effect of enoxaparin. While gastrointestinal symptoms can occur with many medications, it is not a primary concern or indication for discontinuing enoxaparin.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C","dropdown-group-2":"D"}
Explanation
- alcohol intoxication: Although the client consumed one beer, this small amount is unlikely to cause unresponsiveness, respiratory depression, or the need for naloxone administration. Alcohol intoxication alone does not explain the profound sedation and pinpoint pupils observed.
- alcohol withdrawal: Alcohol withdrawal typically presents with signs like agitation, tremors, hallucinations, and seizures, not sedation, miosis, and depressed respiratory drive. The client’s symptoms are inconsistent with alcohol withdrawal.
- hallucinogen intoxication: Hallucinogen use usually leads to agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, and dilated pupils (mydriasis), not the sedated state, respiratory depression, and miotic pupils that this client is exhibiting.
- opioid intoxication: The client's unresponsiveness, respiratory depression, and pinpoint pupils, combined with a positive response to naloxone, are classic indicators of opioid intoxication. These findings directly align with the expected effects of opioid overdose.
- opioid withdrawal: Opioid withdrawal presents with signs like agitation, mydriasis, diarrhea, piloerection, and flu-like symptoms. The client’s current state of sedation and miotic pupils contradicts what would be seen during opioid withdrawal.
- amount of alcohol consumed: The small amount of alcohol (one beer) does not correlate with the severity of the client’s clinical presentation. Thus, alcohol consumption is not the primary factor contributing to the current state.
- breath sounds: Breath sounds are clear and equal bilaterally, indicating that the lungs are not the source of the client's critical condition. There is no evidence of respiratory infection or pulmonary complications.
- abdominal findings: Decreased bowel sounds are common in opioid intoxication due to decreased gastrointestinal motility. However, while supportive, this finding is less definitive than the hallmark sign of pupil constriction.
- pupil characteristics: The presence of pinpoint pupils (miosis) is a hallmark sign of opioid intoxication. Miotic pupils, especially in an unresponsive client who improved after naloxone, strongly support opioid overdose as the primary diagnosis.
- current temperature: The client's temperature is within normal limits, providing no significant diagnostic clue toward explaining the cause of unresponsiveness or respiratory depression.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Use a moisture barrier on the client's skin: Applying a moisture barrier cream helps protect the skin from irritation caused by constant exposure to stool and urine. It creates a protective layer that prevents breakdown, reduces friction, and maintains skin integrity in incontinent clients.
B. Clean the client's skin with soap and hot water: Using soap and hot water can strip the skin of natural oils and cause dryness or irritation, which increases the risk of breakdown. Gentle cleansing with mild soap and lukewarm water is recommended instead to preserve skin health.
C. Massage the area around the client's coccyx: Massaging bony prominences can damage fragile tissue and capillaries in older adults, increasing the risk for pressure injuries rather than preventing them. Light touch is appropriate, but firm massage should be avoided in at-risk areas.
D. Limit the client's fluid intake: Restricting fluids can lead to dehydration, concentrated urine, and an increased risk of urinary tract infections. Adequate hydration is essential to support overall health and skin resilience, even when managing incontinence.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
