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 A
Explanation
This is the correct response. ACE inhibitors are known to cause a persistent, dry, and irritating cough in some individuals. This adverse effect occurs due to the accumulation of bradykinin and other substances in the lungs, leading to increased sensitivity of the cough reflex. The cough typically resolves upon discontinuation of the ACE inhibitor.
B) Respiratory depression:
Respiratory depression is not a common side effect of ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors do not directly affect respiratory drive or function in the central nervous system. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
C) Spontaneous pneumothorax:
Spontaneous pneumothorax is not a typical adverse effect associated with ACE inhibitor use. ACE inhibitors do not directly cause the development of pneumothorax, which is characterized by the presence of air in the pleural space. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
D) Pneumonia:
While ACE inhibitors can increase the risk of respiratory infections due to their effect on the immune system, pneumonia is not a specific adverse effect associated with ACE inhibitor use. Pneumonia is typically caused by infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, rather than being a direct effect of ACE inhibitors. Therefore, this option is incorrect.”
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Bicarbonate:
While bicarbonate levels may be relevant in some cases, they are not typically a primary consideration before administering furosemide. Furosemide primarily affects electrolyte balance, particularly potassium and sodium, rather than bicarbonate levels.
B) Potassium:
This is the correct answer. Before administering furosemide, it is essential to review the client's potassium levels because furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium depletion. Monitoring potassium levels helps prevent hypokalemia, which can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias and other complications, especially in clients with heart failure.
C) Phosphate:
Phosphate levels are not typically a primary concern before administering furosemide. Furosemide primarily affects sodium and potassium levels rather than phosphate levels.
D) Carbon dioxide:
Carbon dioxide levels are not typically a primary consideration before administering furosemide. Furosemide primarily affects electrolyte balance rather than carbon dioxide levels.
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