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 A
Explanation
A. "Your heart condition is caused by excessive stretching of the ventricles": Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by the dilation or enlargement of the heart's chambers, particularly the ventricles. This dilation results in weakened myocardial contraction and impaired systolic function. The primary cause of DCM is often idiopathic (unknown), but it can also be secondary to various factors such as genetics, infections, toxins, or systemic diseases. The statement correctly identifies the pathophysiological basis of DCM as excessive stretching or dilation of the ventricles, leading to impaired cardiac function.
B. "Your heart condition is caused when the ventricular tissue becomes fibrous and fatty": This statement is incorrect. Fibrous and fatty changes in ventricular tissue are characteristic of another type of cardiomyopathy known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), not dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). In DCM, the primary abnormality is dilation of the heart chambers rather than fibrous and fatty changes in the myocardium.
C. "Your heart condition is caused from stiffening of the walls of the ventricles": This statement describes restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM), not dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). In restrictive cardiomyopathy, the ventricular walls become stiff and rigid, impairing diastolic filling and ventricular relaxation. However, in DCM, the primary abnormality is dilation or enlargement of the ventricles rather than stiffening of the ventricular walls.
D. "Your heart condition is caused by thickening of the ventricular walls and septum": This statement describes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), not dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). In HCM, there is abnormal thickening of the ventricular walls and septum, leading to reduced chamber size and impaired diastolic filling. However, in DCM, the primary abnormality is dilation or enlargement of the ventricles rather than thickening of the ventricular walls.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Varicose veins: Varicose veins are dilated, twisted veins that commonly occur in the legs and are typically associated with venous insufficiency or venous valve dysfunction rather than valvular dysfunction of the heart.
B. Heart murmur: This is the correct answer. Valvular dysfunction can result in abnormal blood flow patterns across the heart valves, leading to turbulent blood flow and the production of audible heart murmurs upon auscultation.
C. Palpitations: Palpitations, or the sensation of rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeats, can occur with valvular dysfunction, particularly if the dysfunction leads to alterations in heart rhythm or cardiac output.
D. Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain is not typically associated with valvular dysfunction. It may be a symptom of various gastrointestinal or abdominal conditions, but it is not a direct manifestation of valvular heart disease.
E. Chest pain: This is the correct answer. Chest pain can occur with valvular dysfunction, especially if the dysfunction leads to inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle (ischemia), which can cause angina or chest discomfort.
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