A nurse on a medical unit is planning care for an older adult client who takes several medications. Which of the following prescribed medications places the client at risk for orthostatic hypotension? (Select all that apply.)
Duloxetine
Furosemide
Telmisartan
Atorvastatin
Clopidogrel
Correct Answer : A,B,C
A) Duloxetine: Duloxetine, an SNRI (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor), is commonly used for depression and chronic pain. It can cause orthostatic hypotension, especially in older adults, due to its effects on norepinephrine, which can lead to blood pressure fluctuations upon standing.
B) Furosemide: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases urine output, leading to a decrease in blood volume. This reduction in blood volume can result in orthostatic hypotension, particularly when the client changes positions quickly, such as moving from lying down to standing.
C) Telmisartan: Telisartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat hypertension. It can cause vasodilation and a reduction in blood pressure, which may lead to orthostatic hypotension, especially in older adults who are more sensitive to blood pressure changes.
D) Atorvastatin: Atorvastatin, a statin used to lower cholesterol, does not typically cause orthostatic hypotension. Its primary action is on lipid levels rather than blood pressure, making it less likely to contribute to this condition.
E) Clopidogrel: Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that reduces the risk of blood clots. It does not generally affect blood pressure or cause orthostatic hypotension, as its mechanism of action is related to inhibiting platelet aggregation rather than influencing vascular tone or fluid balance.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Enteral:
Enteral routes, such as oral or rectal, involve absorption through the gastrointestinal tract. This process generally takes longer due to factors such as digestion and metabolism in the liver before reaching systemic circulation.
B) Intramuscular:
Intramuscular injections are absorbed faster than subcutaneous injections but slower than intravenous administration. The absorption rate can be influenced by factors such as blood flow to the muscle and the drug's formulation.
C) Intravenous:
The intravenous (IV) route provides the fastest rate of absorption because the medication is delivered directly into the bloodstream, bypassing absorption barriers and ensuring immediate availability for systemic effect. This route is often used for emergency situations and precise dosing.
D) Topical:
Topical administration involves applying medication directly to the skin or mucous membranes. This route has a slower rate of absorption compared to intravenous administration due to the need for the medication to pass through the skin or mucosal barriers before entering systemic circulation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Apply pressure to the client's nasolacrimal duct after instillation:
Applying gentle pressure to the nasolacrimal duct (located at the inner corner of the eye) after administering ophthalmic medication helps to reduce systemic absorption and increase the medication’s efficacy. This technique helps to prevent the medication from draining into the nasolacrimal duct and into the systemic circulation.
B) Clean the client's eye from the outer canthus to the inner canthus before instillation:
The eye should be cleaned from the inner canthus to the outer canthus to avoid transferring debris or infection from the outer parts of the eye to the inner areas. Cleaning from outer to inner canthus may cause contamination.
C) Ask the client to tightly squeeze their eyes shut after the instillation:
Asking the client to tightly squeeze their eyes shut is not recommended as it can cause the medication to be expelled or lead to increased systemic absorption. Instead, the client should gently close their eyes to allow for proper absorption.
D) Instill the ophthalmic medication directly on the client's cornea:
The medication should be administered into the conjunctival sac rather than directly on the cornea. Direct application to the cornea can cause irritation or damage.
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