A 10 year old child is brought to a respiratory clinic and is prescribed Atrovent (Ipratropium Bromide). Prior to administering the medication, what would the nurse assess for?
Breath sounds
Cardiac disorders
Recent injuries
Hypertension
The Correct Answer is A
A) Breath sounds: Prior to administering Atrovent (Ipratropium Bromide), it is essential for the nurse to assess the child’s breath sounds. Ipratropium is an anticholinergic medication used to relieve bronchospasm in conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). By evaluating breath sounds, the nurse can assess the severity of the respiratory condition and monitor for any wheezing or crackles, which may indicate the need for further intervention or adjustment of the treatment.
B) Cardiac disorders: While some caution may be warranted in patients with cardiac disorders when using certain medications (e.g., sympathomimetics), Ipratropium Bromide is an anticholinergic agent that primarily affects the respiratory system. It is not directly contraindicated in children with cardiac disorders, so assessing for cardiac conditions is not the most critical initial assessment when administering this drug.
C) Recent injuries: Recent injuries do not specifically relate to the need for assessment prior to administering Ipratropium. This medication targets the lungs and airways, so assessing for recent injuries would not be as pertinent unless the injuries impacted the child’s ability to breathe (e.g., rib fractures, lung trauma).
D) Hypertension: Hypertension is not a primary concern when administering Ipratropium Bromide. While anticholinergic drugs should be used cautiously in certain individuals (e.g., those with glaucoma or urinary retention), hypertension is not a contraindication for this medication. It would be more critical to assess for respiratory status, particularly breath sounds, to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin:
Depression has been strongly linked to deficiencies in certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters play significant roles in regulating mood, emotions, and behavior. When their levels are low, individuals may experience symptoms of depression, such as sadness, low energy, anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure), and difficulty concentrating. Antidepressant medications often work by increasing the availability of these neurotransmitters in the brain.
B) Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, and Acetylcholine:
While norepinephrine plays a key role in depression, epinephrine and acetylcholine are not typically highlighted as the primary neurotransmitters involved in depression. Epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) is more associated with the body’s stress response and fight-or-flight reaction. Acetylcholine is involved in memory and learning processes, but it is not the primary neurotransmitter related to depression.
C) Acetylcholine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and serotonin:
Acetylcholine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are involved in many brain functions, but they are not the primary neurotransmitters linked to depression. While GABA may play a role in mood regulation, it is not typically associated with depression in the same way that serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine are. Serotonin is the exception in this answer
D) Gamma-aminobutyric acid, dopamine, and epinephrine:
Although dopamine is involved in depression, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and epinephrine are not the key neurotransmitters associated with the pathophysiology of depression. Epinephrine primarily affects the stress response, and while GABA does influence mood and anxiety, it is not the main neurotransmitter linked to depression itself.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Increased intraocular pressure: Sympathomimetic drugs stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and promote "fight or flight" responses, often resulting in vasoconstriction and other effects. Some sympathomimetics, especially those that affect alpha-adrenergic receptors, can lead to increased intraocular pressure, which is a concern in conditions like glaucoma.
B) Decreased blood pressure: Sympathomimetic drugs generally increase blood pressure by stimulating alpha and beta receptors that cause vasoconstriction and increased heart rate. In contrast, drugs that would decrease blood pressure are usually parasympathomimetics or other agents designed to block sympathetic responses.
C) Decreased heart rate: Sympathomimetic drugs typically increase heart rate by stimulating beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart. These drugs are used in situations requiring increased cardiac output or to counteract bradycardia. Decreased heart rate would typically occur with parasympathomimetic drugs or medications that block sympathetic activity (e.g., beta blockers).
D) Increased respiration: Sympathomimetic drugs can increase respiratory rate by promoting bronchodilation through beta-2 adrenergic receptor activation in the lungs. However, "increased respiration" as a general effect is not as specific or consistent as the other cardiovascular and ocular effects of these drugs. The primary and most prominent physiological change would be related to the cardiovascular effects.
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