The nurse administers a medication to the patient.
Which symptoms indicate that the patient is having an allergic reaction rather than a side effect?
Alopecia and diaphoresis
Heartburn and flatulence
Nausea and constipation
Itchy rash and difficulty breathing
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Alopecia (hair loss) and diaphoresis (excessive sweating) can be side effects of certain medications, but they are not typically associated with allergic reactions.
Alopecia is often a delayed side effect of medications, meaning it can take weeks or months to develop after starting a medication. It is usually caused by the medication interfering with the normal hair growth cycle.
Diaphoresis can be a side effect of medications that affect the nervous system, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. It can also be a side effect of medications that cause fever, such as antibiotics.
Choice B rationale:
Heartburn and flatulence are common side effects of many medications, especially those that affect the digestive system.
Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that is caused by stomach acid refluxing back up into the esophagus. It is often triggered by eating certain foods, lying down after eating, or taking certain medications.
Flatulence is the release of gas from the intestines. It is often caused by eating foods that are difficult to digest, such as beans and cabbage. It can also be a side effect of medications that slow down the digestive system.
Choice C rationale:
Nausea and constipation are also common side effects of many medications.
Nausea is a feeling of sickness or unease in the stomach that can lead to vomiting. It is often caused by medications that irritate the stomach lining or that stimulate the vomiting center in the brain.
Constipation is a condition in which bowel movements are infrequent or difficult to pass. It is often caused by medications that slow down the movement of food through the intestines.
Choice D rationale:
Itchy rash and difficulty breathing are classic symptoms of an allergic reaction.
An allergic reaction occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to a substance that it perceives as a threat. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including itchy rash, difficulty breathing, swelling, hives, and anaphylaxis.
Itchy rash is a common symptom of allergic reactions to medications. It is often caused by the release of histamine, a chemical that is involved in the body's inflammatory response.
Difficulty breathing is a serious symptom of an allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. It is often caused by swelling of the airways, which can restrict airflow.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The dorsal gluteal site, also known as the dorsogluteal site, was once a common choice for intramuscular injections. However, it has fallen out of favor due to several concerns, including:
Risk of sciatic nerve injury: The sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, runs deep within the gluteal region. Injections into the dorsal gluteal site have a higher risk of accidentally hitting this nerve, which can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the leg.
Difficulty in landmarking: Accurately locating the dorsal gluteal site can be challenging, especially in patients with excessive adipose tissue or those who are unable to position themselves properly. Incorrect injection placement can increase the risk of tissue damage and poor drug absorption.
Pain: The dorsal gluteal site is often more painful than other intramuscular injection sites, likely due to the presence of more nerve endings in the area.
Choice B rationale:
The deltoid muscle, located in the upper arm, is a common site for intramuscular injections, particularly for vaccines. However, it has limitations when it comes to administering larger volumes of medication:
Small muscle mass: The deltoid is a relatively small muscle, limiting the amount of medication that can be safely injected. It's generally recommended to inject no more than 1-2 mL of medication into the deltoid muscle.
Proximity to nerves and blood vessels: The deltoid muscle is located near the radial nerve and brachial artery. Improper injection technique could potentially injure these structures.
Choice C rationale:
The vastus lateralis muscle, located in the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, is considered the preferred site for intramuscular injections in adults when the volume of medication exceeds 2 mL. Here's why:
Large muscle mass: The vastus lateralis is a large, thick muscle, capable of accommodating larger volumes of medication (up to 5 mL).
Easy to access: The vastus lateralis is easily accessible and can be injected with the patient in a sitting or lying position.
Fewer nerves and blood vessels: The vastus lateralis has fewer major nerves and blood vessels compared to other injection sites, reducing the risk of injury.
Pain tolerance: Studies have shown that injections into the vastus lateralis are generally less painful than injections into the deltoid or gluteal muscles.
Choice D rationale:
The lateral piriformis muscle is not a recognized or recommended site for intramuscular injections. It's a deep muscle located within the pelvic region, making it difficult to access and posing a higher risk of injury to surrounding structures.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Incorrect because swallowing the tablet with water would lead to slower absorption and a delayed onset of action. Nitroglycerin is rapidly absorbed through the oral mucosa, and swallowing it would route it through the digestive system, where it would be absorbed more slowly and less effectively.
Swallowing the tablet could also increase the risk of side effects, such as headache and flushing, due to the larger amount of the drug that would be absorbed systemically.
Choice B rationale:
Incorrect because crushing the tablet and dissolving it in water would also delay its absorption. This method would require the tablet to dissolve in the water before it could be absorbed through the oral mucosa, which would slow down the onset of action.
Crushing the tablet could also damage the medication and make it less effective.
Choice C rationale:
Incorrect because placing the tablet in the patient's mouth next to the cheek would not allow for optimal absorption. The oral mucosa under the tongue is more permeable than the cheek, so placing the tablet under the tongue allows for faster and more efficient absorption.
Placing the tablet in the cheek could also increase the risk of the patient accidentally swallowing it.
Choice D rationale:
Correct because placing the tablet under the patient's tongue allows for rapid absorption and a quick onset of action. The sublingual route is the preferred method of administration for nitroglycerin because it allows the medication to bypass the digestive system and be absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
This method also allows for the patient to easily remove the tablet if they experience any side effects.
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