The RN is aware that a long-term side effect of amiodarone is:
Stevens-Johnsons Syndrome.
Ventricular Tachycardia.
Pulmonary fibrosis.
QT Prolongation.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare, serious skin condition that is typically caused by an allergic reaction to medication. While amiodarone has been associated with a few cases of SJS, it is not considered a common long-term side effect.
Choice B rationale:
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a type of fast heart rhythm that originates in the ventricles of the heart. Amiodarone is actually used to treat VT, so it would be counterintuitive to list it as a long-term side effect.
Choice C rationale:
Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition characterized by scarring of the lung tissue. While amiodarone can cause pulmonary toxicity, which includes pulmonary fibrosis, this is a relatively rare side effect. Moreover, it's usually associated with high doses or
long-term use of the medication.
Choice D rationale:
QT prolongation is a condition in which the heart's electrical activity takes longer than normal to recharge between beats. This can lead to a potentially fatal arrhythmia called torsades de pointes. Amiodarone is known to prolong the QT interval, and this is considered one of its most significant long-term side effects. It's important to monitor patients on amiodarone for QT prolongation and to adjust the dose or discontinue the medication if necessary.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Sildenafil (Viagra) is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor that is primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction. However, it also has vasodilatory effects, meaning it widens blood vessels. This can lead to a significant drop in blood pressure, especially when combined with nitroglycerin, another potent vasodilator.
Nitroglycerin is commonly used to treat chest pain (angina) and heart failure. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles in blood vessels, which allows them to widen and increase blood flow to the heart. This can help to relieve chest pain and improve heart function.
When sildenafil and nitroglycerin are taken together, their combined vasodilatory effects can cause a severe drop in blood pressure, known as hypotension. This can lead to a number of serious complications, including: dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, heart attack, stroke.
The risk of hypotension is particularly high in patients who are already taking other medications that can lower blood pressure, such as alpha-blockers or nitrates. It is also important to note that the effects of sildenafil can last for up to 24-48 hours, so it is important to avoid taking nitroglycerin within this timeframe.
Due to the significant risk of hypotension, it is generally recommended that sildenafil be avoided within 24-48 hours of nitroglycerin administration.
Rationales for other choices:
Choice B: Aspirin
Aspirin is an antiplatelet medication that is often used to prevent blood clots. It does not have significant vasodilatory effects and does not interact with nitroglycerin in a way that would contraindicate its use.
Choice C: Adenosine
Adenosine is a medication that is used to treat certain types of arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). It can cause a brief drop in blood pressure, but this effect is usually mild and transient. Adenosine does not interact with nitroglycerin in a way that would contraindicate its use.
Choice D: Oxygen
Oxygen is a gas that is often used to treat patients with respiratory problems. It does not have any direct vasodilatory effects and does not interact with nitroglycerin.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Erythromycin ointment does not have moisturizing properties. Its primary function is to act as an antibiotic to prevent bacterial infections.
While it may have a slightly lubricating effect due to its ointment base, this is not its intended purpose.
If moisture is the primary goal, artificial tears or other ophthalmic lubricants would be more appropriate choices.
Choice B rationale:
Chemical conjunctivitis is typically caused by irritants such as chlorine, smoke, or chemicals, not bacteria. Erythromycin is not effective in preventing or treating chemical conjunctivitis.
Treatment for chemical conjunctivitis usually involves flushing the eyes with saline or water and applying cool compresses, as well as potentially using topical antihistamines or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
Choice D rationale:
Erythromycin ointment is not typically used to treat active eye infections in newborns.
While it can be used for this purpose in certain cases, it is more commonly used as a prophylactic measure to prevent infections from developing in the first place.
If a newborn has a suspected eye infection, a healthcare provider would likely collect a sample of discharge for testing and culture to determine the specific causative organism and select the most appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Choice C rationale:
The primary purpose of applying erythromycin ointment to a newborn's eyes is to prevent bacterial eye infections, specifically ophthalmia neonatorum.
Ophthalmia neonatorum is a serious condition that can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly.
It is most commonly caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, which can be transmitted to the newborn during childbirth if the mother is infected.
Erythromycin ointment is effective in preventing these infections by killing or inhibiting the growth of these bacteria. It is typically applied to the newborn's eyes within 1 hour of birth as a standard practice in many countries.
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