The opioid acetaminophen/hydrocodone is prescribed for a patient who has had surgery. The nurse informs the patient that which common adverse effects can occur with this medication? (Select all that apply.)
Constipation
Lightheadedness
Pain
Urinary retention
Diarrhea
Correct Answer : A,B,D
A. Constipation is a common adverse effect of opioid medications, including hydrocodone.
Opioids can slow down bowel motility, leading to constipation.
B. Lightheadedness is a common side effect of opioids, particularly when a patient first starts
taking them or when the dose is increased. It can be due to the central nervous system depressant effects of the medication.
C. Pain relief is the therapeutic effect of acetaminophen/hydrocodone, not an adverse effect.
D. Urinary retention can occur with opioid use due to their effects on the urinary sphincters and bladder muscle tone. Patients may experience difficulty urinating or incomplete emptying of the bladder.
E. Diarrhea is not a common adverse effect of acetaminophen/hydrocodone. In fact, opioids more commonly cause constipation rather than diarrhea.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Increase the dosage to twice daily.": Changing the dosage should only be done under the guidance of the prescriber based on clinical assessment, not in response to perceived lack of improvement.
B. "Take the medication on an empty stomach for improved absorption.": While taking donepezil with or without food may affect absorption, this instruction is not directly related to the timing of improvement in symptoms.
C. "It takes time for the cure to take effect.": Alzheimer's disease cannot be cured, and this statement may provide false hope to the patient's daughter.
D. "It may take up to 6 weeks to see an improvement.": This response provides accurate
information about the expected timeline for therapeutic effects of donepezil and encourages patience in observing improvement.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Assessment of the patient's pain level: While pain assessment is important, the patient's lethargy and shallow respirations indicate a potential opioid overdose, which takes priority.
B. Close observation of signs of opioid tolerance: The patient's symptoms are indicative of opioid overdose, not tolerance.
C. Immediate intubation and artificial ventilation: While respiratory support may eventually be necessary if the patient's condition deteriorates further, administering naloxone to reverse the opioid effects is the initial priority.
D. Administration of naloxone: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptors, which can rapidly restore normal respiratory function and
consciousness in patients experiencing opioid-induced respiratory depression.
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