Pharmacology Ch 3 - Karch

A client taking a beta blocker for hypertension tells the nurse he will no longer take the medication because it is causing an inability for him to maintain an erection. What is the best explanation for this issue by the nurse?

"This is an expected adverse effect of the medication, but it is very important that you continue to take it. We can talk about other methods for sexual expression."

The nurse is caring for a client receiving an aminoglycoside (antibiotic) that can be nephrotoxic. Which will alert the nurse that the client may be experiencing nephrotoxicity?

A decrease in urine output

A female client has a 12-year history of ETOH abuse. The client is injured in a motor vehicle accident and requires surgery with general anesthesia. What would the nurse expect for this client?

A larger than normal dose of general anesthesia

The nurse should have basic knowledge of drug classifications in order to administer medications safely to clients. What drug information is instrumental in determining nursing actions following drug administration?

Adverse effects

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

The nurse is called to a client's room 15 minutes after the client has received a new medication. The client reports pruritus as well as nausea. The nurse notes that the client appears pale, is sweating, and has begun to cough and wheeze. The nurse determines that the client is experiencing what type of reaction related to the new medication?

Anaphylactic shock

Which drug classification is used to treat superinfections?

Antifungals

The nurse is assessing a new client who states being allergic to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs. What subsequent assessment should the nurse prioritize?

Asking the client what is the clients response to taking the NSAIDs

For several days, a client with hypertension has been inadvertently taking an excessive dose of spironolactone, a potassium-sparing diuretic. The client has presented to the emergency department with signs and symptoms that suggest hyperkalemia. What assessment should the nurse prioritize?

Cardiac monitoring Explanation: Hyperkalemia presents an acute threat to normal cardiac function due to the effect on cardiac action potentials.

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.

A client develops a cytotoxic reaction to a drug. What would the nurse expect to do?

Discontinue the drug immediately as ordered

A client who is being treated for cancer developed a serum sickness reaction. The care team has been notified, and the client is being stabilized. What is the nurse's priority action?

Discontinue the drug immediately as ordered

A client is diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia and is prescribed a statin by the physician. As part of client education, the nurse should teach the client to avoid eating:

Grapefruit

Many drugs that reach the developing fetus or embryo can cause death or congenital defects. What are examples of congenital defects? (Choose all that apply.)

Heart defects, skeletal and limb abnormalities, CNS alterations

A client is receiving an antineoplastic medication for treatment of breast cancer and begins having tonic-clonic seizure activity. What type of toxicity does the nurse recognize that this client is experiencing?

Neurotoxicity Explanation: Neurotoxicity, sometimes referred to as central nervous system toxicity, is a drug's ability to harm or poison a nerve cell or nerve tissue. Signs and symptoms of neurotoxicity include drowsiness, auditory and visual disturbances, restlessness, nystagmus, and tonic-clonic seizures. Neurotoxicity can occur after exposure to drugs and other chemicals and gases.

The nurse is caring for a client with hypertension who was prescribed a loop diuretic one week ago. The client reports malaise and weakness and the nurse's assessment reveals an irregular heart rate. The nurse should prioritize assessment of the client's:

Potassium levels

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

The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a client receiving drug therapy. What would the nurse suspect if the results reveal an elevation in the blood urea nitrogen level and creatinine concentration?

Renal injury

The nurse is providing care for a client whose most recent laboratory results indicate a potassium level of 6.1 mEq/L (6.1 mmol/L). After completing assessment and informing the provider, the nurse should administer:

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate as prescribed. Explanation: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is the antidote for hyperkalemia.

A client is on antibiotic therapy for an axillary abscess. The client has been outside working in the yard and observes a rash everywhere that is not covered by clothing. What should the client be told about this finding?

The client is having photosensitivity and this can occur even with brief exposure to the sun or UV rays. Explanation: Info on pg. 37