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. Opioids: Opioids typically cause sedation, respiratory depression, and decreased reflexes, which are opposite to the symptoms described.
B. Depressants: Depressants, such as benzodiazepines or alcohol, would likely cause sedation, decreased reflexes, and confusion, but not the symptoms of restlessness, talkativeness, and hyperactive reflexes.
C. Alcohol: While alcohol intoxication can cause confusion, talkativeness, and tachycardia, it is less likely to result in hyperactive reflexes and restlessness as described.
D. Stimulants: Stimulants, such as amphetamines or cocaine, can cause restlessness, hyperactivity, talkativeness, confusion, panic, and tachycardia, matching the symptoms described.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Carbidopa prevents the breakdown of levodopa in the periphery, specifically in the gastrointestinal tract and peripheral tissues, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain and be converted to dopamine. This enhances the effectiveness of levodopa therapy in managing the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
B. Carbidopa is not the biologic precursor of dopamine. It is a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor that does not cross the blood-brain barrier.
C. Carbidopa does not directly allow for larger doses of levodopa to be given. However, by
inhibiting the peripheral breakdown of levodopa, it enhances the availability of levodopa to the central nervous system, potentially improving therapeutic efficacy.
D. While levodopa-carbidopa combination therapy may have fewer drug-food interactions compared to levodopa alone, the primary reason for combining these medications is to enhance the effectiveness of levodopa by preventing its peripheral breakdown.
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