A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a new prescription for verapamil. Which of the following findings in the client's medical record should the nurse identify as a contraindication for the administration of verapamil?
History of asthma
History of heart failure
Systolic BP 110 mm Hg
Blood creatinine 1.0 mg/dl
The Correct Answer is B
A. History of asthma: Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker and does not affect the airways or cause bronchospasm, unlike beta-blockers, which can exacerbate asthma.
B. History of heart failure: Verapamil has negative inotropic effects, meaning it decreases the strength of heart contractions. This can exacerbate heart failure, particularly in clients with reduced ejection fraction (systolic heart failure). It is generally contraindicated in clients with severe heart failure as it can worsen symptoms.
C. Systolic BP 110 mm Hg: While verapamil can cause a drop in blood pressure due to its vasodilatory effects, a systolic blood pressure of 110 mm Hg is not an absolute contraindication.
D. A blood creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL is within the normal range (approximately 0.6–1.2 mg/dL for adults). Verapamil is not contraindicated in clients with normal renal function.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should include the statement that rifampin can cause the client's urine to turn orange. Rifampin is an antibiotic commonly used to treat tuberculosis and other bacterial infections. One of its common side effects is discoloration of bodily fluids, including urine, saliva, sweat, and tears. This discoloration is harmless and is not a cause for concern. Informing the client about this side effect helps prevent unnecessary worry or alarm.
"You should take this medication with food" (B) is not specifically related to rifampin. However, taking rifampin with food can help reduce gastrointestinal side effects such as stomach upset or nausea.
"This medication can cause insomnia" (C) is not a common side effect of rifampin. Insomnia is more commonly associated with certain other medications or medical conditions.
"You should take a stool softener with this medication" (D) is not necessary for rifampin. Stool softeners are typically used to alleviate constipation, but rifampin does not commonly cause constipation as a side effect.
Therefore, the nurse should primarily include the statement that rifampin can cause the client's urine to turn orange.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Urinary retention: While urinary retention can be a side effect of meperidine and other opioids, it is not the priority assessment before administering the medication. Urinary retention is a concern but is not immediately life-threatening compared to other potential side effects of opioids, such as respiratory depression. Assessing urinary retention is important, but it is not the primary concern in this situation.
B. Vomiting: Vomiting can also be a side effect of opioids, including meperidine. While it is essential to assess for vomiting and its potential impact on the client's overall condition, it is not the priority assessment before administering the medication. Vomiting can be managed, and the nurse should address it as needed. However, the priority assessment is one that can affect the client's immediate safety and well-being, such as respiratory rate and potential respiratory depression.
C. Respiratory rate: This is the correct answer. The priority assessment before administering meperidine is the client's respiratory rate. Opioids can cause respiratory depression, leading to reduced breathing and inadequate ventilation. Monitoring the respiratory rate allows the nurse to detect any signs of respiratory distress or inadequate breathing, enabling them to intervene promptly to prevent serious complications.
D. Level of consciousness: While assessing the client's level of consciousness is essential for overall assessment and monitoring, it is not the priority assessment before administering meperidine. Respiratory depression due to opioid use can occur even when the client is conscious. However, if respiratory depression occurs, it can lead to a decrease in consciousness and potentially unconsciousness, making the assessment of respiratory rate more critical to prevent such complications.
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