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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A patient's last bowel movement being 4 days ago does not directly increase their risk of pulmonary embolism (PE). While constipation can be a risk factor for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to PE, it is not a significant risk factor on its own.
It's important to assess for other risk factors for DVT, such as immobility, recent surgery, or a history of blood clots, in conjunction with constipation.
Choice C rationale:
A platelet count of 45,000/mm^3 is low (thrombocytopenia), but it does not directly increase the risk of PE.
In fact, a low platelet count can sometimes hinder clot formation. However, it's important to monitor patients with thrombocytopenia for bleeding risks, as they may be more prone to bleeding complications.
Choice D rationale:
While receiving a transfusion of two units of packed red blood cells can increase blood viscosity, which could theoretically slightly increase the risk of PE, it is not a major risk factor.
Patients who receive transfusions are often already at an elevated risk of PE due to other underlying conditions or surgeries. It's essential to assess for other risk factors in these patients.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice A.
Choice A rationale:
Tetanus is an acute infectious disease caused by spores of the bacterium Clostridium tetani.The spores are found everywhere in the environment, particularly in soil, ash, intestinal tracts/feces of animals and humans, and on the surfaces of skin and rusty tools like nails, needles, barbed wire, etc.Anyone can get tetanus, but the disease is particularly common and serious in newborn babies and pregnant women who have not been sufficiently immunized with tetanus-toxoid-containing vaccines.
To ensure that there is adequate antitoxin to neutralize tetanus toxin in the case of a tetanus-prone injury, a booster dose is advised if it has been longer than 10 years since the last tetanus vaccine dose.This is because a single dose of tetanus toxoid produces a rapid anamnestic response. Therefore, if a patient with a puncture wound has not received a tetanus toxoid vaccination in the last 10 years, they would require an additional injection before being discharged from the emergency department.
Choice B rationale:
While it might seem prudent to administer a tetanus toxoid vaccination every year, this is not necessary according to current medical guidelines.Over-vaccination could potentially lead to an increased risk of adverse reactions without providing additional benefits. Therefore, a tetanus toxoid vaccination is not required every year.
Choice C rationale:
A 5-year interval for tetanus toxoid vaccination is not the standard recommendation for general population.However, in some specific cases, such as when indicated for wound management, a tetanus toxoid–containing vaccine might be administered if ≥5 years have elapsed since the previous receipt of any tetanus toxoid–containing vaccine.
Choice D rationale:
A 2-year interval for tetanus toxoid vaccination is not the standard recommendation.The tetanus toxoid vaccination provides protection for a much longer period, and therefore, it is not necessary to administer the vaccine every 2 years.
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