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. Comply with compression therapy:
Compression therapy typically refers to the use of compression garments or devices to improve circulation and reduce swelling in the extremities, particularly in conditions such as venous insufficiency or deep vein thrombosis.
While compression therapy may be beneficial for certain circulatory disorders, it is not a standard treatment for cardiac tamponade.
Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac, leading to increased pressure on the heart and impaired cardiac function.
Treatment for cardiac tamponade involves prompt recognition and intervention to relieve the pressure on the heart, such as pericardiocentesis or surgical drainage of the pericardial effusion.
B. Monitor wounds on lower extremities:
Monitoring wounds on the lower extremities is essential for assessing healing, preventing complications such as infection, and promoting overall wound care.
However, monitoring wounds on the lower extremities is not directly related to the management or monitoring of cardiac tamponade.
In cardiac tamponade, the focus of monitoring is on assessing signs and symptoms of cardiac compromise, such as hypotension, tachycardia, dyspnea, and pulsus paradoxus, rather than wound care.
C. Take antiplatelet medications as ordered:
Antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin or clopidogrel, are commonly prescribed to prevent platelet aggregation and reduce the risk of thrombotic events, particularly in patients with cardiovascular disease or a history of myocardial infarction or stroke.
While antiplatelet medications may be part of the long-term management of certain cardiac conditions, they are not specific to the treatment or monitoring of cardiac tamponade.
The primary treatment for cardiac tamponade involves interventions to relieve the pressure on the heart and restore cardiac function, such as pericardiocentesis or surgical drainage of the pericardial effusion.
D. Monitor for gradual onset of symptoms:
Phase II of cardiac tamponade is characterized by a gradual onset of symptoms as the pressure within the pericardial sac increases, leading to impaired cardiac filling and decreased cardiac output.
Symptoms may include dyspnea, fatigue, orthopnea, tachycardia, and chest discomfort, which may develop gradually over time.
Early recognition of symptoms is crucial for prompt diagnosis and intervention to prevent further deterioration and improve outcomes in patients with cardiac tamponade.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The aortic and mitral valves are the most commonly replaced valves: This statement is accurate. The aortic and mitral valves are indeed the most commonly replaced valves in cardiac valve replacement surgeries. Aortic valve replacement is commonly performed for conditions such as aortic stenosis or regurgitation, while mitral valve replacement is often indicated for mitral regurgitation or stenosis.
B. Mitral valve insufficiency occurs during the diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle: This statement is incorrect. Mitral valve insufficiency, also known as mitral regurgitation, occurs during the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle. It involves the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium during ventricular systole, leading to volume overload of the left atrium and potentially causing symptoms such as dyspnea and fatigue.
C. Inadequate closure of the tricuspid valve causes overload in the left ventricle: This statement is incorrect. Inadequate closure of the tricuspid valve leads to regurgitation of blood from the right ventricle back into the right atrium during ventricular systole. This condition, known as tricuspid regurgitation, causes volume overload in the right atrium and ventricle, rather than overload in the left ventricle.
D. Aortic stenosis increases right ventricular systolic pressure and decreases afterload: This statement is partially correct. Aortic stenosis indeed increases left ventricular systolic pressure and decreases afterload, not right ventricular pressure. The increased afterload on the left ventricle can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy and eventually heart failure. However, aortic stenosis does not directly affect right ventricular systolic pressure.
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