A client with atrial fibrillation receives a new prescription for dabigatran. Which instruction should the nurse include in this client's teaching plan?
Eliminate spinach and other green vegetables in the diet.
Continue obtaining scheduled laboratory bleeding tests.
Keep an antidote available in the event of hemorrhage.
Avoid use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Spinach and other green vegetables are rich in vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting. However, dabigatran is not affected by vitamin K intake, unlike warfarin, another anticoagulant drug. Therefore, there is no need to eliminate these foods from the diet.
Choice B reason: Dabigatran does not require routine laboratory monitoring of bleeding parameters, such as prothrombin time (PT) or international normalized ratio (INR), unlike warfarin. Therefore, the client does not need to continue obtaining scheduled laboratory bleeding tests.
Choice C reason: Dabigatran is a direct thrombin inhibitor that prevents the formation of fibrin, the main component of blood clots. In case of a major bleeding event, the antidote for dabigatran is idarucizumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to dabigatran and reverses its effect. However, this antidote is not readily available in most settings and should only be administered by a health care provider. Therefore, the client should not keep an antidote available at home.
Choice D reason: NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can increase the risk of bleeding by inhibiting platelet aggregation and damaging the gastric mucosa. Therefore, the client should avoid using these drugs while taking dabigatran. The client should consult with the prescriber before taking any other medications, including over-the-counter or herbal products.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct manifestation for the nurse to identify as a reason to stop the infusion. A scratchy throat may indicate an allergic reaction to piperacillin-tazobactam, which is a penicillin derivative. The client may also develop other signs of anaphylaxis, such as rash, itching, swelling, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. The nurse should stop the infusion immediately and notify the healthcare provider.
Choice B reason: This is not a correct manifestation for the nurse to identify as a reason to stop the infusion. Pupillary constriction is not a common or serious side effect of piperacillin-tazobactam. It may be caused by other factors, such as light exposure, medication use, or neurological conditions. The nurse should monitor the client's pupils for any changes, but it is not a reason to stop the infusion.
Choice C reason: This is not a correct manifestation for the nurse to identify as a reason to stop the infusion. Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not a common or serious side effect of piperacillin-tazobactam. It may be caused by other factors, such as cardiac disorders, medication use, or vagal stimulation. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs for any changes, but it is not a reason to stop the infusion.
Choice D reason: This is not a correct manifestation for the nurse to identify as a reason to stop the infusion. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not a common or serious side effect of piperacillin-tazobactam. It may be caused by other factors, such as stress, pain, or renal disorders. The nurse should monitor the client's blood pressure for any changes, but it is not a reason to stop the infusion.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the most important adverse effect for the nurse to report. Nausea is a common side effect of metoclopramide, which is a prokinetic and antiemetic drug that stimulates the motility of the upper GI tract and blocks the dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone. Nausea may be mild or moderate, and it may subside with time or dose adjustment. The nurse should monitor the client's nausea and provide supportive measures, such as fluids, crackers, or ginger, but it is not a priority.
Choice B reason: This is the most important adverse effect for the nurse to report. Involuntary movements, or extrapyramidal symptoms, are a serious and potentially irreversible side effect of metoclopramide, which can occur due to the blockade of the dopamine receptors in the basal ganglia. Involuntary movements can include dystonia, akathisia, parkinsonism, or tardive dyskinesia, and they can affect the face, neck, limbs, or trunk. The nurse should assess the client for any signs of involuntary movements and notify the healthcare provider immediately. The nurse should also prepare to administer an anticholinergic drug, such as benztropine, to counteract the effects of metoclopramide.
Choice C reason: This is not the most important adverse effect for the nurse to report. Unusual irritability is a rare and mild side effect of metoclopramide, which may be related to the central nervous system effects of the drug. Unusual irritability may manifest as restlessness, anxiety, or agitation, and it may resolve with time or dose adjustment. The nurse should monitor the client's mood and behavior and provide reassurance and comfort, but it is not a priority.
Choice D reason: This is not the most important adverse effect for the nurse to report. Diarrhea is a rare and mild side effect of metoclopramide, which may be related to the increased motility of the GI tract. Diarrhea may be transient or self-limiting, and it may be managed with fluids, electrolytes, or antidiarrheal drugs. The nurse should monitor the client's stool frequency and consistency and provide hydration and hygiene, but it is not a priority.
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