A client has been prescribed an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor.
The nurse alerts the client to contact the healthcare provider should the client develop which undesirable side effect?
Excessive dry cough.
Hypokalemia.
Constipation.
Nausea.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors prevent the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to reduced aldosterone release and vasodilation. A common side effect is a persistent, non-productive dry cough, occurring in up to 20.
Choice B rationale
ACE inhibitors actually tend to cause hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia, because they inhibit aldosterone release. Aldosterone promotes sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the renal tubules, so its inhibition leads to potassium retention. The normal range for serum potassium is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Patients on ACE inhibitors require monitoring for elevated potassium levels.
Choice C rationale
Constipation is not a typical or commonly reported side effect specifically associated with ACE inhibitors. Gastrointestinal side effects for this class of medication are generally mild and may include nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal pain, but a significant change in bowel habits like constipation is unusual.
Choice D rationale
Nausea is a possible, though generally minor, side effect of ACE inhibitors that may occur as the body adjusts to the medication. It is usually transient and can sometimes be minimized by taking the medication with food. The persistent, dry cough is a far more distinct and common reason for discontinuation compared to transient nausea.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B rationale
Testing the balloon on an indwelling urinary catheter before insertion is a crucial safety step in the preparation process. This action ensures that the balloon, which is inflated with sterile water after insertion to anchor the catheter in the bladder, does not have a leak and will properly inflate. A non-functional balloon requires catheter replacement before the sterile procedure continues.
Choice A rationale
A water-soluble, sterile lubricant is necessary for catheter insertion to minimize friction and tissue trauma to the urethra. Oil-based lubricants are contraindicated because they can damage the latex or silicone material of the catheter and may be difficult to remove, potentially increasing the risk of infection.
Choice C rationale
Sterile gloves are donned after the nurse has established the sterile field, draped the client, and organized the supplies, and immediately before touching the sterile catheter and the client's meatus for insertion. Donning gloves too early increases the risk of contamination from touching non-sterile surfaces while setting up the field.
Choice D rationale
The urinary meatus should be cleansed using a minimum of three separate antiseptic-soaked cotton swabs or balls. Cleansing starts with the most distant area (far side), then the closest area (near side), and finally directly over the meatus, using a single downward stroke for each area. Using only one swab significantly increases the risk of infection.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) is a stimulant laxative that acts by irritating the colon mucosa, increasing peristalsis, and promoting fluid accumulation in the colon to facilitate a bowel movement. Therefore, it is used to treat constipation, not diarrhea. Diarrhea management often involves antidiarrheal agents like loperamide or fluid replacement.
Choice B rationale
Bisacodyl is correctly prescribed for the management of constipation, which is characterized by infrequent bowel movements, difficulty passing stools, or hard stools. As a stimulant laxative, it works directly on the nerve plexuses in the bowel wall to enhance colonic motility, typically producing a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours after oral administration.
Choice C rationale
Bisacodyl is used to relieve the symptom of constipation, and while abdominal discomfort can be a part of constipation, the medication is not a primary treatment for generalized abdominal pain of unknown etiology. Furthermore, excessive use or high doses of bisacodyl can sometimes cause or worsen abdominal cramping.
Choice D rationale
Fecal incontinence is the involuntary passage of stool, which can result from various conditions such as nerve damage or sphincter dysfunction. Bisacodyl, a laxative, would exacerbate fecal incontinence by promoting a bowel movement, making this an inappropriate and potentially harmful indication for its use.
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