A client who is taking sildenafil 50 mg by mouth (PO) as needed (PRN), reports experiencing visual changes to the practical nurse (PN). Which instruction should the PN give to the client?
Report the symptoms to the healthcare provider immediately.
Instill prescribed eye drops now and then three times a day.
Encourage wearing dark glasses when outside to protect the eyes.
Monitor for visual changes each morning using an Amsler grid tool.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Sildenafil, commonly known as Viagra, is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. One of the side effects of sildenafil is visual changes. These changes can be temporary or long-lasting, and can potentially be a sign of a serious condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which can lead to permanent vision loss. Therefore, it is crucial for the client to report these symptoms to the healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation and management.
Choice B rationale
While eye drops can be used to treat various eye conditions, they are not typically used to address visual changes caused by sildenafil. Therefore, instilling prescribed eye drops would not be the appropriate response in this situation.
Choice C rationale
Wearing dark glasses when outside can help protect the eyes from sun damage, but it would not address the underlying issue of visual changes caused by sildenafil. Therefore, this would not be the appropriate instruction for the practical nurse to give to the client.
Choice D rationale
The Amsler grid tool is used to detect vision problems resulting from damage to the macula (the central part of the retina) or the optic nerve. However, this tool would not be useful in this context as the visual changes are a side effect of sildenafil. Therefore, monitoring for visual changes each morning using an Amsler grid tool would not be the appropriate instruction for the practical nurse to give to the client.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C.
Choice A rationale:
Wearing protective clothing when in direct sunlight is not specifically related to taking alendronate. This advice is more relevant for medications that increase photosensitivity, which is not a known side effect of alendronate.
Choice B rationale:
Sucking on hard candy to increase oral secretions is not necessary for patients taking alendronate. This advice is typically given to patients experiencing dry mouth, which is not a common side effect of alendronate.
Choice C rationale:
Drinking 8 ounces (240 mL) of water with each dose of alendronate is crucial. This helps ensure the medication reaches the stomach quickly and reduces the risk of esophageal irritation or ulcers.
Choice D rationale:
Laying supine for 30 minutes after taking alendronate is incorrect. Patients should remain upright (sitting or standing) for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication to prevent esophageal irritation and ensure the medication reaches the stomach properly.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
If a patient’s pain level remains high despite receiving regular doses of fentanyl, it may indicate
that the current dose is insufficient. The PN should report this to the healthcare provider, who
may decide to increase the dose.
Choice B rationale
While it’s important to continue monitoring the patient and assessing the pain level, this alone
may not be sufficient if the patient’s pain remains uncontrolled.
Choice C rationale
Non-pharmacological methods of pain control can be beneficial, but they are typically used in
conjunction with medication, not as a replacement for it when the pain level is high.
Choice D rationale
Informing the patient about the potential addictiveness of the medication is important, but it’s
not the most appropriate action to take in response to uncontrolled pain.
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