A 27-year-old male is taking an anticholinergic drug as adjunctive therapy to treat his peptic ulcer disease. The client comes to the clinic and tells the nurse that he "feels his heart beating." What adverse effect is the client experiencing from the anticholinergic medication?
Urinary Frequency
Tachycardia
Tachypnea
Hypotension
The Correct Answer is B
B) Tachycardia:
Anticholinergic drugs, by blocking the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, can lead to increased sympathetic activity, resulting in tachycardia. Acetylcholine normally acts to moderate heart rate via vagal stimulation, so blocking its effects with anticholinergic medications can lead to an unopposed sympathetic response, causing an increase in heart rate.
A) Urinary Frequency:
Anticholinergic drugs typically cause urinary retention rather than urinary frequency. By blocking muscarinic receptors in the bladder, these medications can lead to decreased bladder contractility and urinary retention. Urinary frequency is not a common adverse effect of anticholinergic drugs.
C) Tachypnea:
Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, is not a typical adverse effect of anticholinergic medications. While anticholinergic drugs can affect respiratory secretions and cause drying of mucous membranes, leading to potential respiratory issues, tachypnea specifically is not commonly associated with their use.
D) Hypotension:
Anticholinergic drugs are more likely to cause hypertension rather than hypotension. By blocking the parasympathetic nervous system, these medications can lead to sympathetic dominance, resulting in increased blood pressure. Hypotension is not a typical adverse effect of anticholinergic drugs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["35"]
Explanation
Here's the calculation:
Total volume of enteral nutrition (mL): 840 mL
Infusion time (hours): 24 hours
Flow rate (mL/hr) = Total volume (mL) / Infusion time (hours)
Flow rate (mL/hr) = 840 mL / 24 hours = 35 mL/hr (round to nearest whole number as requested)
Therefore, the nurse should program the pump to deliver 35 mL/hr.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Answer: A. “Syncope episodes may occur when taking this medication.”
Rationale:
A) “Syncope episodes may occur when taking this medication.”
Syncope (fainting) is a possible side effect of donepezil, a cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Donepezil can cause bradycardia, which may lead to a decrease in blood pressure and reduced blood flow to the brain, resulting in syncope. It's important for family members to monitor for episodes of dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness, particularly when the client changes positions (orthostatic hypotension).
B) “You will need to monitor for constipation.”
Constipation is not commonly associated with donepezil use. In fact, donepezil may cause diarrhea or gastrointestinal upset due to its cholinergic effects. Family members should be more concerned about potential gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea rather than constipation.
C) “This medication may cause tachycardia.”
Donepezil is more likely to cause bradycardia (a slower-than-normal heart rate) rather than tachycardia (a fast heart rate). Bradycardia is a known side effect because the medication increases acetylcholine, which enhances parasympathetic activity, leading to a slower heart rate.
D) “You should administer the medication each morning.”
Donepezil is typically administered in the evening before bed. This schedule helps reduce the risk of daytime gastrointestinal side effects, like nausea and vomiting, which can interfere with daily activities. Administering the medication at night can also reduce the impact of potential dizziness or syncope during the day.
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