The nurse is caring for a patient taking diltiazem for blood pressure management. The nurse instructs the patient to report which side effect to the provider?

Dry skin

Burning sensation

Diarrhea

Irregular heart rate

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Dry skin:
Dry skin is not a commonly reported side effect of diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker used for blood pressure management. While dry skin can occur due to various reasons, it is less likely to be directly associated with diltiazem use. Therefore, it is not the side effect that the nurse should prioritize instructing the patient to report to the provider.

B. Burning sensation:
Although burning sensation is not a common side effect of diltiazem, it can occasionally occur as a skin reaction or hypersensitivity reaction to the medication. While this symptom may warrant attention, it is generally less concerning compared to other potential side effects of diltiazem. Therefore, while it is important for the patient to report any unusual sensations or discomfort, burning sensation alone may not be the most critical side effect to report.

C. Diarrhea:
Diarrhea is a potential side effect of diltiazem use. Calcium channel blockers like diltiazem can affect gastrointestinal motility and lead to gastrointestinal disturbances, including diarrhea. While diarrhea can be bothersome and may indicate intolerance to the medication, it is generally considered a common side effect rather than a severe adverse reaction. Therefore, while the nurse should educate the patient about the possibility of diarrhea and encourage reporting any persistent or severe cases, it may not be the most critical side effect to report to the provider.

D. Irregular heart rate:
Irregular heart rate, including bradycardia or tachycardia, is a significant and potentially serious side effect of diltiazem. As a calcium channel blocker, diltiazem can affect cardiac conduction, leading to alterations in heart rate and rhythm. Irregular heart rate can indicate a significant cardiovascular complication and may require prompt medical attention. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize instructing the patient to report any changes in heart rate, including palpitations, rapid heartbeat, or irregular pulse, to the provider immediately.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Diarrhea: Diarrhea is not a common side effect of metoprolol, a beta-blocker medication commonly used to treat hypertension. While gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea or constipation may occur, diarrhea is not typically associated with metoprolol use.

B. Insomnia: Insomnia, or difficulty falling or staying asleep, is a potential side effect of metoprolol. Beta-blockers like metoprolol may interfere with sleep patterns in some individuals, leading to insomnia. It is important for the nurse to assess the patient for changes in sleep patterns while taking metoprolol.

C. Urinary retention: Urinary retention, or the inability to completely empty the bladder, is not a common side effect of metoprolol. In fact, beta-blockers like metoprolol are more likely to cause urinary frequency or urgency rather than retention.

D. Gum changes: Gum changes, such as gingival hyperplasia, are not typically associated with metoprolol use. This side effect is more commonly associated with certain other medications, such as calcium channel blockers or anticonvulsants.

A. Human Immunodeficiency virus encephalopathy B. Beta-cell lymphoma C. Kaposi sarcoma D. Wasting syndrome

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Human Immunodeficiency virus encephalopathy:
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) encephalopathy, also known as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), is a common neurological complication of HIV/AIDS. It occurs due to the direct effects of HIV on the central nervous system (CNS), leading to cognitive impairment, behavioral changes, and motor dysfunction. The progressive decline in cognitive, behavioral, and motor functions described in the patient is characteristic of HIV encephalopathy. Therefore, this choice is the most likely explanation for the patient's symptoms.

B. Beta-cell lymphoma:
Beta-cell lymphoma, also known as primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), is a rare but serious complication of HIV/AIDS. It involves the development of malignant lymphomas within the CNS. While PCNSL can cause neurological symptoms, such as cognitive decline and motor dysfunction, it typically presents with focal neurological deficits and signs of increased intracranial pressure, which are not mentioned in the scenario. Therefore, beta-cell lymphoma is less likely to be the cause of the patient's symptoms compared to HIV encephalopathy.

C. Kaposi sarcoma:
Kaposi sarcoma is a type of cancer caused by human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection, which commonly affects individuals with HIV/AIDS. While Kaposi sarcoma can involve the CNS and potentially lead to neurological symptoms, such as headaches and focal neurological deficits, the progressive decline in cognitive, behavioral, and motor functions described in the scenario is not typically associated with Kaposi sarcoma. Therefore, this choice is less likely to explain the patient's symptoms compared to HIV encephalopathy.

D. Wasting syndrome:
Wasting syndrome, also known as cachexia, is a syndrome characterized by unintentional weight loss, weakness, and muscle atrophy. While wasting syndrome is a common complication of advanced HIV/AIDS, it primarily affects body composition and nutritional status rather than causing progressive decline in cognitive, behavioral, and motor functions. Therefore, wasting syndrome is less likely to be the cause of the patient's symptoms compared to HIV encephalopathy.

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The nurse is caring for a patient taking diltiazem for blood pressure management. The nurse instructs the patient to report which side effect to the provider?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a patient who has been taking metoprolol as a second medication to control hypertension. The nurse will assess for which side effect?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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