A patient develops constipation after taking a daily iron supplement prescribed by the physician. Which term best describes the patient’s reaction to the supplement?
Side effect
Therapeutic effect
Adverse reaction
Toxicity
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Side effect: A side effect is an effect of a drug that is secondary to the main intended effect. It is usually predictable and may be either beneficial or harmful. However, constipation is not a common or expected side effect of iron supplements. It is more likely to be an adverse reaction.
Choice B rationale:
Therapeutic effect: The therapeutic effect is the intended effect of a drug, the one that is desired to treat the condition. In this case, the therapeutic effect of the iron supplement would be to increase the patient's iron levels. Constipation is not the desired effect of the iron supplement, so it is not a therapeutic effect.
Choice C rationale:
Adverse reaction: An adverse reaction is an unwanted or harmful reaction to a drug that is not necessarily predictable. It can range from mild to severe. Constipation is a common adverse reaction to iron supplements. It is thought to be caused by the iron binding to undigested food in the intestines, making it harder to pass stool.
Choice D rationale:
Toxicity: Toxicity refers to a poisonous or harmful effect of a drug. It is usually caused by taking too much of a drug or by a drug interacting with another drug or substance. Constipation is not a sign of iron toxicity. Iron toxicity can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and rectum that can cause pain, itching, and bleeding. Sitz baths are a common and effective treatment for hemorrhoids because they can help to:
Reduce inflammation and pain Promote healing
Relax the anal sphincter muscles Cleanse the anal area
Warm water helps to increase blood flow to the area, which can help to reduce swelling and inflammation. The water also helps to soothe and cleanse the irritated tissues.
Sitz baths are typically taken for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day. They can be taken in a bathtub or a special sitz bath basin that fits over a toilet seat.
Choice B rationale:
A fractured right arm would not benefit from a sitz bath. Sitz baths are specifically for treating the anal and rectal area.
Choice C rationale:
An abscessed tooth would not benefit from a sitz bath. Sitz baths are specifically for treating the anal and rectal area.
Choice D rationale:
Painful back muscle spasms would not benefit from a sitz bath. Sitz baths are specifically for treating the anal and rectal area.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Incorrect. Patients who develop tolerance to a medication do not typically maintain a stable dose over time. Instead, they often require increasing doses to achieve the same effect.
Physiological adaptation: The body adapts to the presence of the medication, leading to a decreased response over time. This adaptation can occur at various levels, including receptor downregulation, changes in enzyme activity, or alterations in neurotransmitter release.
Individual variability: The rate and extent of tolerance development vary significantly among individuals, influenced by factors such as genetics, age, overall health, and medication type.
Choice B rationale:
Incorrect. Impaired liver or kidney function can affect drug metabolism and elimination, but this is not the primary mechanism of tolerance.
Metabolic impairment: Liver or kidney dysfunction can lead to drug accumulation in the body, potentially increasing the risk of side effects or toxicity. However, this does not necessarily cause tolerance, which is a specific phenomenon of decreased responsiveness to the medication's effects.
Choice C rationale:
Correct. This statement accurately describes the hallmark characteristic of tolerance.
Dose escalation: As tolerance develops, patients often require higher doses of the medication to achieve the same therapeutic effect. This can lead to a cycle of increasing doses and potential risks of adverse effects.
Clinical implications: Tolerance is a significant consideration in medication management, as it can affect treatment efficacy, adherence, and the risk of side effects.
Choice D rationale:
Incorrect. Tolerance can develop even when patients adhere strictly to their prescribed medication regimen. It is a physiological phenomenon that is not solely dependent on patient behavior.
Adherence vs. tolerance: While non-adherence can contribute to treatment failure, it is not the underlying cause of tolerance.
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