Ch.3 Toxic Effects on Drugs

The nurse on a busy medical floor is caring for several clients whose medication regimens vary widely. What action best addresses a client's risk for adverse effects related to primary actions?

Assessing the nausea of a client with cancer who is receiving chemotherapy

A client with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder has begun lithium therapy. What is the primary rationale for the nurse's instructions regarding the need for regular monitoring of the client's serum drug levels?

It is necessary to ensure that the client's drug levels are therapeutic but not toxic.

A client began a new medication four days ago and presents with a temperature of 38.2° C (100.8 °F), dependent edema, and swollen cervical lymph nodes. The nurse has informed the client's provider, who has discontinued the medication. What subsequent intervention should the nurse prioritize?

Provide supportive care to manage fever and inflammation.

A client is being seen in the emergency department for a sprained ankle and is given a drug to relieve pain. When a second dose of the pain medication is given, the client develops redness of the skin, itching, and swelling at the site of injection of the drug. The most likely cause of this response is:

an allergic response.

contraindication for the use of certain medications.

antibodies

The nurse's assessment of a client reveals that the client has been greatly exceeding recommended safe doses of acetaminophen for the past week. When reviewing the client's laboratory results for indications of toxicity, what finding should the nurse prioritize?

aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels

A client develops a skin reaction to one of their prescribed medications. This client also has a specific underlying pathology. This underlying pathology might serve as a:

contraindication for the use of certain medications.

The nurse administers an anticholinergic medication to the client. When assessing this client, what finding should the nurse interpret as a secondary effect of the drug?

urinary hesistancy

A client exhibits muscular tremors, drooling, gait changes, and spasms. When reviewing the client's medication history, which would the nurse most likely find?

antipsychotic agent

A client is four months' pregnant. She works in the chemical unit of a research department and is responsible for handling various chemicals. Her gynecologist advised her not to expose herself to chemical or industrial vapors and specific drugs. These restrictions are advised because exposure to industrial vapors could:

damage the immature nervous system of the fetus.