A client is prescribed oral amiodarone for recurrent ventricular dysrhythmias. The nurse should teach the client to notify the physician if which symptom develops?

Edema of ankles

Shortness of breath

Fatigue after exercise

Abdominal fullness

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Edema of ankles: While peripheral edema may be associated with worsening cardiac function or side effects from other medications, it is not a hallmark adverse effect of amiodarone. It warrants evaluation but is not the most urgent symptom related to this drug.

B. Shortness of breath: Amiodarone is a potent antiarrhythmic medication with several potential serious side effects, including pulmonary toxicity. This can manifest as interstitial pneumonitis or pulmonary fibrosis, which may present as new or worsening shortness of breath cough, and chest pain. This is a potentially life-threatening complication and requires immediate medical attention.

C. Fatigue after exercise: Exercise-induced fatigue can result from many conditions, including heart disease or deconditioning, but it is a nonspecific symptom. It does not point directly to a serious adverse reaction from amiodarone.

D. Abdominal fullness: Abdominal fullness is not typically associated with amiodarone. It may relate to gastrointestinal or hepatic issues, but it is not as immediately concerning as respiratory symptoms suggestive of pulmonary toxicity.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Have blood drawn weekly to check for high magnesium levels: Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, does not significantly affect magnesium levels. Regular monitoring is more important for potassium and renal function (BUN/creatinine), especially in heart failure patients, not magnesium.

B. Avoid the use of salt substitutes in your diet: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor. ACE inhibitors can cause potassium retention by reducing the production of aldosterone. Many salt substitutes contain high amounts of potassium chloride and combining the two may lead to hyperkalemia. Patients should be instructed to avoid these substitutes unless approved by their provider.

C. Notify your physician if a headache develops: Headache is a relatively common and usually mild side effect of lisinopril. It does not typically warrant discontinuation or immediate provider notification unless it's severe or persistent with other symptoms like dizziness or visual changes.

D. Take your heart rate daily when on this medication: Lisinopril does not significantly affect heart rate. Monitoring blood pressure is more relevant, as ACE inhibitors are antihypertensives. Heart rate monitoring is more critical with beta blockers or calcium channel blockers.

A. surgery has caused an episode of supraventricular tachycardia. B. is febrile which is causing the heart rate to be elevated. C. is in heart failure and the heart rate is elevated to compensate. D. probably has a low oxygen saturation causing an increased respiratory rate.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. surgery has caused an episode of supraventricular tachycardia: While stress or surgery can trigger arrhythmias, the ECG shown demonstrates a sinus tachycardia pattern (narrow QRS complexes with identifiable P waves before each QRS), not supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), which typically has a very rapid, regular rhythm often without visible P waves.

B. is febrile which is causing the heart rate to be elevated: The client has a temperature of 102°F (38.8°C), which can increase metabolic demand and lead to sinus tachycardia. Fever is a common and expected cause of elevated heart rate, especially when accompanied by infection, such as the client’s post-op wound infection.

C. is in heart failure and the heart rate is elevated to compensate: There is no evidence from the scenario (no dyspnea, crackles, edema, or reduced BP) that supports heart failure. The elevated HR is more directly related to the fever and infection, not cardiac decompensation.

D. probably has a low oxygen saturation causing an increased respiratory rate: The respiratory rate is slightly elevated (22/min), but there is no mention of hypoxia or oxygen saturation levels. Tachycardia secondary to hypoxia would require clinical indicators of respiratory distress or desaturation, which are not demonstrated.

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A client is prescribed oral amiodarone for recurrent ventricular dysrhythmias. The nurse should teach the client to notify the physician if which symptom develops?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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