A nurse should identify which of the following as ways to make a positive impact in reducing health disparities in the clients they care for?

A. Tachycardia refers to a rapid heart rate, typically defined as a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute. Theophylline can stimulate the heart and central nervous system, leading to an increase in heart rate. Tachycardia is a known adverse effect of theophylline and can occur especially if the medication is taken in higher doses or if there are interactions with other medications or caffeine.
B. Constipation is not a common adverse effect of theophylline. Theophylline primarily affects the respiratory and cardiovascular systems rather than the gastrointestinal system. Therefore, constipation is unlikely to be caused by theophylline therapy.
C. Drowsiness is generally not a common adverse effect of theophylline. Instead, theophylline is more likely to cause CNS stimulation, which can lead to insomnia, restlessness, or anxiety rather than drowsiness.
D. Oliguria refers to decreased urine output, which is not typically associated with theophylline use. Theophylline primarily affects respiratory function and cardiovascular parameters. Decreased urine output can occur in certain conditions or with medications that affect kidney function, but it is not a recognized adverse effect of theophylline.

A. Immunosuppressant medications are drugs that suppress or weaken the immune system. They are often prescribed to prevent rejection of transplanted organs or to treat autoimmune diseases. However, a weakened immune system makes individuals more susceptible to infections because their body's ability to fight off pathogens is compromised. Therefore, clients taking immunosuppressant medications have an increased risk of contracting communicable diseases.
B. Poor nutrition can weaken the immune system, making it less effective in defending against infections. Essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals play crucial roles in immune function. A deficiency in these nutrients can impair immune responses, making individuals more vulnerable to communicable diseases.
C. Keeping immunizations up to date helps protect individuals from specific communicable diseases for which vaccines are available. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against particular pathogens, providing immunity. Therefore, if immunizations are up to date, the client's risk of contracting certain communicable diseases is reduced.
D. Aging is associated with changes in the immune system, known as immunosenescence, which can weaken immune responses. Older adults may have decreased production of immune cells and antibodies, making them more susceptible to infections. Additionally, aging is often accompanied by chronic health conditions or medications that further compromise immune function, increasing the risk of communicable diseases.
E. Living in a nursing home or long-term care facility can increase the risk of exposure to communicable diseases due to close contact with other residents, sharing of common spaces, and potentially inadequate infection control practices. Older adults in nursing homes may also have multiple chronic conditions and weakened immune systems, further increasing their susceptibility to infections.