A patient weighing 60 kg reports shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest discomfort. The patient is prescribed 5 mg/kg ipratropium every 12 hours. In a recall visit, the patient reports taking 300 mg/day ipratropium.
What instruction should be given to the patient for the effective management of asthma?
Continue the same dose of medication.
Change to alternative medication.
Double the dose of medication.
Halve the dose of medication.
The Correct Answer is D
This instruction should be given to the patient for the effective management of asthma because the patient is taking an overdose of ipratropium, which may cause serious side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, or increased heart rate. The recommended dosage of ipratropium for adults with acute asthma is 0.5 mg (500 mcg) every 20 minutes for three doses, followed by 0.5 mg every two to four hours as needed³. The patient's prescribed dose is 5 mg/kg, which means 300 mg/day for a 60 kg patient. This is 10 times the maximum daily dose of 2 mg (2000 mcg) for ipratropium⁴. Therefore, the patient should halve the dose of medication to 150 mg/day, which is still higher than the usual dosage, but within the range that can be given under medical supervision.
The other options are not appropriate instructions because:
a) Continuing the same dose of medication may worsen the patient's condition and increase the risk of adverse reactions.
b) Changing to alternative medication may not be necessary or effective, as ipratropium is a commonly used bronchodilator for asthma that works by relaxing the airway muscles and improving airflow⁵. The patient may benefit from adjusting the dose or adding other medications, such as corticosteroids or beta-agonists, depending on the severity and frequency of symptoms.
c) Doubling the dose of medication may be dangerous and potentially fatal, as it may cause severe anticholinergic effects, such as dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, increased heart rate, confusion, or coma.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This number should be multiplied by inches in order to convert a patient's height measurement from inches to centimeters, because one inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters. To convert inches to centimeters, the formula is:
centimeters = inches × 2.54
For example, if a patient's height is 60 inches, then the height in centimeters is:
centimeters = 60 × 2.54
centimeters = 152.4
Therefore, the patient's height is 152.4 centimeters.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
The three components of communication are the sender, the receiver, and the message. The sender is the person who initiates the communication by sending a message. The receiver is the person who receives the message. The message is the information that is being communicated.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.