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 C
Explanation
A) Orthostatic hypotension is indicated by a decrease in diastolic blood pressure of 5 mm Hg:
Orthostatic hypotension is typically defined by a decrease in systolic blood pressure of 20 mm Hg or more or a decrease in diastolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg or more within three minutes of standing up. Diastolic blood pressure alone is not the primary indicator of orthostatic hypotension.
B) Orthostatic hypotension is indicated by a decrease in systolic blood pressure of 5 mm Hg:
While a decrease in systolic blood pressure is a component of orthostatic hypotension, the criterion for diagnosing orthostatic hypotension is a decrease in systolic blood pressure of 20 mm Hg or more or a decrease in diastolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg or more within three minutes of standing up.
C) Orthostatic hypotension increases a client's risk of a fall:
This statement is correct. Orthostatic hypotension, characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, can lead to dizziness and lightheadedness, increasing the risk of falls, particularly in older adults.
D) Orthostatic hypotension increases a client's risk of a pulmonary emboli:
Orthostatic hypotension is not directly associated with an increased risk of pulmonary emboli. Pulmonary embolism is a separate condition involving a blockage in the pulmonary artery or its branches, typically caused by a blood clot."
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Hypoxemia:
This is the correct answer. Atelectasis, which is the collapse or incomplete inflation of the lung, can lead to impaired gas exchange and subsequent hypoxemia. As lung volume decreases due to collapse, ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch occurs, resulting in decreased oxygenation of arterial blood. Hypoxemia is a common finding in individuals with atelectasis and may manifest as decreased oxygen saturation levels on pulse oximetry or arterial blood gas analysis.
B) Apnea:
Apnea, defined as the cessation of breathing, is not typically associated with atelectasis. While atelectasis can contribute to respiratory compromise and may result in respiratory distress, including tachypnea or increased work of breathing, it does not usually lead to complete cessation of breathing.
C) Pleural effusion:
A pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space surrounding the lungs. While pleural effusion may occur concurrently with atelectasis, it is not an expected finding specifically associated with atelectasis itself. Pleural effusion may cause respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea or chest pain but is not a primary manifestation of atelectasis.
D) Dysphagia:
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is unrelated to atelectasis. While dysphagia can occur as a result of various conditions affecting the esophagus or neurological control of swallowing, it is not a typical manifestation of atelectasis. Atelectasis primarily affects the lungs and respiratory function rather than swallowing function.
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