A nurse is teaching a client who reports taking gingko biloba to improve his memory. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse include in the teaching?
Bleeding gums
Decreased alertness
Breast enlargement
Bad breath
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Bleeding gums is a possible adverse effect of taking gingko biloba, as it may increase the risk of bleeding by inhibiting platelet aggregation and interfering with clotting factors. Gingko biloba may also interact with other medications that affect bleeding, such as anticoagulants, antiplatelets, or NSAIDs. The nurse should advise the client to monitor for signs of bleeding, such as bruising, nosebleeds, or hematuria, and report them to the provider.
Choice B reason: Decreased alertness is not a likely adverse effect of taking gingko biloba, as it may have the opposite effect of enhancing cognitive function and memory. Gingko biloba may improve blood flow to the brain and protect against oxidative stress and neuronal damage. The nurse should inform the client that gingko biloba may take several weeks to show its benefits and that the evidence for its effectiveness is inconclusive.
Choice C reason: Breast enlargement is not a known adverse effect of taking gingko biloba, as it does not affect the hormonal levels or the breast tissue. Gingko biloba may have some estrogenic activity, but it is not significant enough to cause gynecomastia or breast tenderness. The nurse should assess the client for other possible causes of breast enlargement, such as medications, liver disease, or tumors.
Choice D reason: Bad breath is not a common adverse effect of taking gingko biloba, as it does not affect the oral hygiene or the digestive system. Gingko biloba may have a mild odor, but it is not unpleasant or persistent. The nurse should advise the client to maintain good oral care and to check for other possible causes of bad breath, such as infections, dental problems, or dietary factors.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Taking this medication with food is not necessary, as lisinopril can be taken with or without food. Food does not affect the absorption or effectiveness of lisinopril.
Choice B reason: Facial swelling is not an expected effect of this medication, but a serious adverse reaction that indicates angioedema. Angioedema is a life-threatening condition that causes swelling of the face, tongue, throat, and airway. It requires immediate medical attention and discontinuation of lisinopril.
Choice C reason: Reporting a cough to the provider is an important instruction, as a cough is a common and annoying side effect of lisinopril. Lisinopril belongs to the class of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which can cause a dry, persistent, nonproductive cough. The cough may interfere with the client's quality of life and adherence to the medication. The provider may prescribe an alternative medication, such as an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), to avoid the cough.
Choice D reason: Increasing the intake of potassium-rich foods is not advisable, as lisinopril can cause hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) due to decreased potassium excretion in the urine. Clients should monitor their potassium levels and avoid excessive intake of potassium supplements or foods, such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, and tomatoes.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: The extra letters after the name of the medication do not mean it is a stronger dose, but that it is a combination of two different medications. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that lowers blood pressure and heart rate, while hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that reduces fluid retention and blood volume. The combination of these two medications may have a synergistic effect and lower blood pressure more effectively than either one alone.
Choice B reason: The client will have to do some things differently because it is not the same medication, but a combination of two medications. The client will have to monitor their blood pressure, weight, fluid intake, and electrolyte levels more closely, as the addition of hydrochlorothiazide may increase the risk of dehydration, hypotension, and hypokalemia. The client will also have to avoid alcohol, salt, and potassium supplements, as they may interact with the medication and affect its efficacy or safety.
Choice C reason: The client will still have to diet to lose weight, as the medication does not cause weight loss, but may cause weight gain due to fluid retention. The client will have to follow a healthy diet that is low in sodium, fat, and cholesterol, as these may worsen hypertension and increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. The client will also have to exercise regularly, as this may help lower blood pressure and improve overall health.
Choice D reason: The client may experience fewer side effects with the new medication, as the combination of metoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide may lower the dose and frequency of each medication, and reduce the adverse effects of each one. For example, metoprolol may cause fatigue, dizziness, or bradycardia, while hydrochlorothiazide may cause dry mouth, headache, or gout. The combination of these two medications may balance out these effects and improve the client's tolerance and compliance.
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