A nurse is teaching a client who has cardiomyopathy about the side effects of their new prescription beta blocker, carvedilol. Which of the following client statements should indicate to the nurse that the client understands the teaching? (select all that apply)
"l should not drive while taking this new medication."
"This new medication may decrease my sex drive."
"This medication can make me have mood swings."
"l may have frequent hiccups while taking this medication."
"l may have urinary incontinence while taking this medication."
Correct Answer : A
A. "I should not drive while taking this new medication."
Carvedilol is a beta blocker commonly prescribed for conditions like cardiomyopathy. One of the potential side effects of beta blockers, including carvedilol, is dizziness or drowsiness. These effects can occur, particularly when starting the medication or when the dosage is increased. Therefore, it's crucial for patients to understand that they may experience these symptoms and should avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, until they are aware of how the medication affects them. This precaution helps ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.
B. "This new medication may decrease my sex drive."
Sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido or erectile dysfunction, is a recognized side effect of beta blockers like carvedilol. These medications can affect the autonomic nervous system and interfere with normal sexual function in some individuals. It's essential for patients to be aware of this potential side effect and to discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider. Open communication about sexual health can help address any issues that arise and explore alternative treatment options if necessary.
C. "This medication can make me have mood swings."
While mood changes are possible side effects of some medications, including certain classes of antidepressants or corticosteroids, they are not typically associated with beta blockers like carvedilol. Beta blockers primarily affect the cardiovascular system by blocking the effects of adrenaline, leading to decreased heart rate and blood pressure. While some patients may experience fatigue or depression as a side effect of beta blockers, mood swings are not a common manifestation. Therefore, this statement does not accurately reflect the potential side effects of carvedilol.
D. "I may have frequent hiccups while taking this medication."
While gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea are possible with carvedilol, frequent hiccups are not a commonly reported side effect of this medication. Hiccups, though often benign, can occasionally be bothersome or indicative of an underlying issue. However, they are not typically associated with beta blockers like carvedilol. Therefore, this statement does not accurately reflect the potential side effects of the medication.
E. "I may have urinary incontinence while taking this medication."
Urinary incontinence is a potential side effect of beta blockers like carvedilol. These medications can affect bladder function by relaxing the smooth muscle of the bladder and urethra, leading to urinary retention or incontinence in some individuals. Patients should be aware of this possibility and discuss any urinary symptoms with their healthcare provider. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, adjustments to the medication regimen or additional treatments may be necessary to manage urinary incontinence effectively.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) "Damage occurs from the penetrating object shattering the skull and causing an infection." While penetrating traumatic brain injuries can lead to skull fractures and subsequent infections, the primary mechanism of brain damage in these injuries is related to the direct impact of the penetrating object on brain tissue rather than the shattering of the skull.
B) "Damage to the brain is related to coup and contrecoup injuries." Coup and contrecoup injuries occur when the brain impacts the skull's interior surface due to rapid deceleration or acceleration, commonly seen in closed head injuries such as concussions. Penetrating traumatic brain injuries involve direct penetration of foreign objects into the brain tissue, and coup-contrecoup injuries are not typically associated with these types of injuries.
C) "Damage occurs from the penetrating injury causing leakage of cerebrospinal fluid." While penetrating injuries may result in cerebrospinal fluid leakage, this is not the primary mechanism through which they cause brain damage. Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid is more commonly associated with certain types of head trauma, such as skull fractures, rather than solely penetrating injuries.
D) "Damage to the brain is related to the size, route, and rate of speed of the object entering the brain." This statement is correct. The extent of brain damage in penetrating traumatic brain injuries depends on various factors, including the size, shape, and velocity of the penetrating object, as well as the route it takes through the brain tissue. Larger, faster-moving objects tend to cause more extensive damage, whereas smaller objects or those with slower velocities may cause more localized damage. Therefore, understanding these factors is crucial in assessing and managing patients with penetrating traumatic brain injuries.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Tonometer intraocular pressure reading 8 mm Hg (Option A): A low intraocular pressure reading may indicate a detached retina. In a detached retina, the vitreous humor (gel-like substance in the eye) may leak into the space behind the retina, causing a decrease in intraocular pressure. However, it's important to note that intraocular pressure alone cannot definitively diagnose a detached retina, and further diagnostic tests, such as a dilated eye examination or retinal imaging, would be needed for confirmation.
Smooth retina edges identified on slit-lamp biomicroscope examination (Option B): In the case of a detached retina, the edges of the retina may appear irregular or undulating rather than smooth. This irregularity is often observed during a dilated eye examination rather than with a slit-lamp biomicroscope.
Visual acuity of 20/20 using the Snellen eye chart (Option C): Visual acuity may be affected in a detached retina, depending on the extent and location of the detachment. However, visual acuity alone cannot confirm a detached retina, as other factors such as refractive errors or cataracts can also affect visual acuity.
Lens and cornea appear intact during ophthalmoscope exam (Option D): While a detached retina may be visualized during an ophthalmoscope examination as a gray or whitish area behind the lens, the appearance of the lens and cornea being intact does not definitively diagnose a detached retina. A thorough dilated eye examination by an ophthalmologist is necessary for accurate diagnosis.
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