A nurse is teaching the family of a client who has Alzheimer’s disease about donepezil. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
“Syncope episodes may occur when taking this medication.”
“You will need to monitor for constipation.”
“This medication may cause tachycardia.”
“You should administer the medication each morning.”
The Correct Answer is A
Answer: A. “Syncope episodes may occur when taking this medication.”
Rationale:
A) “Syncope episodes may occur when taking this medication.”
Syncope (fainting) is a possible side effect of donepezil, a cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Donepezil can cause bradycardia, which may lead to a decrease in blood pressure and reduced blood flow to the brain, resulting in syncope. It's important for family members to monitor for episodes of dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness, particularly when the client changes positions (orthostatic hypotension).
B) “You will need to monitor for constipation.”
Constipation is not commonly associated with donepezil use. In fact, donepezil may cause diarrhea or gastrointestinal upset due to its cholinergic effects. Family members should be more concerned about potential gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea rather than constipation.
C) “This medication may cause tachycardia.”
Donepezil is more likely to cause bradycardia (a slower-than-normal heart rate) rather than tachycardia (a fast heart rate). Bradycardia is a known side effect because the medication increases acetylcholine, which enhances parasympathetic activity, leading to a slower heart rate.
D) “You should administer the medication each morning.”
Donepezil is typically administered in the evening before bed. This schedule helps reduce the risk of daytime gastrointestinal side effects, like nausea and vomiting, which can interfere with daily activities. Administering the medication at night can also reduce the impact of potential dizziness or syncope during the day.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Increasing GI motility and promoting bowel movements:
Laxatives work by increasing gastrointestinal motility, which stimulates the movement of fecal matter through the intestines. This promotes bowel movements and helps alleviate constipation.
B) Preventing incontinent clients from soiling themselves:
Laxatives are not typically used to prevent incontinence. Their primary function is to relieve constipation by promoting bowel movements.
C) Reducing inflammation in the intestinal lining:
Laxatives do not have a direct effect on reducing inflammation in the intestinal lining. They primarily act on bowel motility to facilitate the passage of stool.
D) Suppressing the immune response that causes inflammation:
Laxatives do not suppress the immune response or treat inflammation. They are specifically designed to relieve constipation by promoting bowel movements."
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Temperature and respiratory rate:
While monitoring temperature and respiratory rate are important aspects of a comprehensive assessment, they are not the priority assessments before administering metoprolol. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker primarily used to lower heart rate and blood pressure, so assessing the client's heart rate and blood pressure is more relevant.
B) Heart rate and blood pressure:
This is the correct answer. Before administering metoprolol, it is essential to assess the client's heart rate and blood pressure. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker medication that primarily affects heart rate and blood pressure. Monitoring these vital signs helps ensure that the medication is administered safely and effectively.
C) Level of consciousness and pain level:
Assessing the client's level of consciousness and pain level are important aspects of nursing care, but they are not the priority assessments before administering metoprolol. These assessments may be relevant depending on the client's overall condition and specific care needs, but they are not directly related to the action or side effects of metoprolol.
D) Oxygen saturation and respiratory rate:
Monitoring oxygen saturation and respiratory rate are important aspects of respiratory assessment, but they are not the priority assessments before administering metoprolol. While metoprolol can affect respiratory function as a potential side effect, its primary action is on heart rate and blood pressure. Therefore, assessing heart rate and blood pressure are more pertinent before administering this medication.
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