When a patient is taking an anticholinergic such as benztropine as part of the treatment for Parkinson's disease, the nurse should include which information in the teaching plan?

Minimize the amount of fluid taken while on this drug.

Discontinue the medication if adverse effects occur.

Take the medication on an empty stomach to enhance absorption.

Use artificial saliva, sugarless gum, or hard candy to counteract dry mouth.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   Minimize the amount of fluid taken while on this drug: Increasing fluid intake is actually recommended to manage potential constipation, another common side effect of anticholinergic medications.
B.   Discontinue the medication if adverse effects occur: Discontinuing medication without consulting a healthcare provider is not advisable. Patients should be educated to report any adverse effects to their healthcare provider for appropriate management.
C.   Take the medication on an empty stomach to enhance absorption: Benztropine is typically taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Taking it on an empty stomach may increase the risk of nausea or stomach upset.
D.   Use artificial saliva, sugarless gum, or hard candy to counteract dry mouth: Anticholinergic medications such as benztropine commonly cause dry mouth as a side effect. Stimulating saliva production with these measures can help alleviate dry mouth symptoms.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Do slow position changes to avoid falls from lowering blood pressure: This is not the priority teaching point for an anticholinergic medication. While some anticholinergics can cause orthostatic hypotension, the risk of urinary retention is a more significant concern.
B. If you feel short of breath, use a rescue inhaler: This instruction is unrelated to the use of anticholinergic medication and may be more relevant for patients with emphysema.
C. "If possible, try to avoid rooms that are cold.": Avoiding cold rooms is not directly related to the use of anticholinergic medication. The priority teaching point should address potential adverse effects specific to the medication.
D. "Make sure to seek care immediately if you're not able to urinate.": Anticholinergic medications can exacerbate urinary retention, particularly in older adults with benign prostatic hyperplasia. It's crucial for the patient to understand the importance of seeking medical attention if they experience difficulty urinating.

A. These are adverse effects that usually subside after a few weeks. B. The drug must be stopped immediately because of possible adverse effects. C. This drug causes deprivation of REM sleep and may cause the inability to deal with normal stress. D. This drug causes the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep period to increase, resulting in nightmares and restlessness.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. These are adverse effects that usually subside after a few weeks: While some adverse effects of phenobarbital may diminish over time, the symptoms described by the patient are more likely related to its impact on REM sleep.
B. The drug must be stopped immediately because of possible adverse effects: Stopping phenobarbital abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms and potential rebound seizures; discontinuation should be done gradually under medical supervision.
C. This drug causes deprivation of REM sleep and may cause the inability to deal with normal stress: Phenobarbital is known to disrupt REM sleep, leading to emotional lability, irritability, and difficulty coping with stress.
D. This drug causes the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep period to increase, resulting in nightmares and restlessness: Phenobarbital actually decreases REM sleep, which can lead to disturbances in sleep patterns and mood changes.

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When a patient is taking an anticholinergic such as benztropine as part of the treatment for Parkinson's disease, the nurse should include which information in the teaching plan?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A patient has been taking phenobarbital for 2 weeks as part of his therapy for epilepsy. He tells the nurse that he feels tense and that the least little thing bothers him now. Which is the correct explanation for this problem?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The barbiturate phenobarbital is prescribed for a patient with epilepsy. While assessing the patient's current medications, the nurse recognizes that interactions may occur with which drugs? (Select all that apply.)

The nurse has given medication instructions to a patient receiving phenytoin. Which statement by the patient indicates that the patient has an adequate understanding of the instructions?

A patient has been taking lithium for 1 year, and the most recent lithium level is 0.9 mEq/L. Which statement about the laboratory result is correct?

Before administering a client's prescribed nonselective adrenergic blocker, what should the nurse assess?

A patient has been given a prescription for levodopa-carbidopa for a new diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. The patient asks the nurse, "Why are there two drugs in this pill?" The nurse's best response reflects which fact?

During the immediate postoperative period, the Post Anesthesia Care Unit nurse is assessing a patient who had hip surgery. The patient is experiencing tachycardia, tachypnea, and muscle rigidity, and his temperature is 103°F (39.4°C). The nurse will prepare for what immediate treatment?

The drug nalbuphine is an agonist-antagonist (partial agonist). The nurse understands that which is a characteristic of partial agonists?

A nurse is performing discharge teaching for a client who has seizures and a new prescription for phenytoin. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?