A nurse is reviewing the medication history of a client who reports urinary retention.
The nurse should recognize that which of the following medications can cause this adverse reaction?

Choice A rationale:

Oxycodone overdose typically results in constricted (not dilated) pupils due to its action on the central nervous system.

Choice B rationale:

Oxycodone overdose can cause respiratory depression, leading to slow and shallow breathing (bradypnea), not rapid breathing (tachypnea)

Choice C rationale:

Oxycodone does not typically cause tachycardia. It can cause bradycardia due to its action on the central nervous system.

Choice D rationale:

Sedation is a common effect of oxycodone and can be more pronounced in cases of overdose due to the drug’s depressant effect on the central nervous system.

Choice A rationale:

Dry mouth is a common side effect of diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that is often used to treat allergies, insomnia, and symptoms of the common cold. It works by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms. One of the effects of histamine is increased salivation, so when diphenhydramine blocks this effect, it can lead to dry mouth.

Choice B rationale:

Nausea is also a common side effect of diphenhydramine. This can occur because diphenhydramine can slow down the emptying of the stomach, leading to feelings of nausea. Additionally, diphenhydramine can affect the vestibular system in the inner ear, which can also lead to feelings of nausea.

Choice C rationale:

Agitation is considered an idiosyncratic reaction to diphenhydramine. An idiosyncratic reaction is an unusual or unexpected reaction to a drug that is not related to the usual pharmacological action of the drug. While diphenhydramine is typically used for its sedative effects, in some cases it can cause paradoxical central nervous system stimulation, leading to agitation.

Choice D rationale:

Dizziness is another common side effect of diphenhydramine. This occurs because diphenhydramine can affect the vestibular system in the inner ear, which plays a key role in maintaining balance. When this system is affected, it can lead to feelings of dizziness.