A client with pneumonia who has an emergent episode of respiratory distress is intubated and transferred to the intensive care unit. The client's chest x-ray shows consolidation in the left lobe, and physical assessment reveals diminished lung sounds. The nurse administers acetylcysteine as prescribed per nebulization via endotracheal tube. Which therapeutic response of this medication should the nurse expect?
Bronchodilation and wheezing.
Unpleasant smell when using the medication.
Increased sputum, requiring suctioning.
Hypotension.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice C reason: Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic agent that breaks down mucus and makes it easier to cough up or suction out. This helps to clear the airways and improve oxygenation. The nurse should expect to see increased sputum production after administering acetylcysteine and provide frequent suctioning as needed.
Choice A reason: Bronchodilation and wheezing are not therapeutic responses of acetylcysteine, but rather possible adverse effects. Acetylcysteine can cause bronchospasm or bronchoconstriction in some clients, especially those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse should monitor the client's breath sounds and oxygen saturation and report any signs of respiratory distress.
Choice B reason: Unpleasant smell when using the medication is not a therapeutic response of acetylcysteine, but rather a common side effect. Acetylcysteine has a rotten egg odor that can be unpleasant for both the client and the nurse. The nurse can minimize this by using a mouthwash or a flavored lozenge before and after administering acetylcysteine.
Choice D reason: Hypotension is not a therapeutic response of acetylcysteine, but rather a rare but serious adverse effect. Acetylcysteine can cause vasodilation or hypovolemia in some clients, leading to low blood pressure and shock. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs and report any signs of hypotension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: A bladder scan is used to measure the post-void residual urine volume, which can indicate urinary retention. It is not related to the adverse effects of tamsulosin.
Choice B reason: Assessing urine output is important for clients with urinary problems, but it is not specific to the adverse effects of tamsulosin.
Choice C reason: Tamsulosin is an alpha-blocker that relaxes the smooth muscles of the prostate and bladder neck, improving urine flow. However, it can also cause hypotension, dizziness, and fainting as adverse effects. Therefore, monitoring blood pressure is essential for clients taking tamsulosin.
Choice D reason: Obtaining daily weights is not relevant to the adverse effects of tamsulosin. It is more useful for clients with fluid retention or edema.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Breast feeding is not recommended while taking this medication, as isotretinoin can pass into breast milk and harm
the nursing infant. However, this information is not as important as choice d, as the client may not be breast feeding or planning to breast feed.
Choice B reason: Baseline liver function results must be obtained during therapy, as isotretinoin can cause liver damage and increase liver enzymes. However, this information is not as important as choice d, as the client may not have liver problems or need liver function tests.
Choice C reason: Do not take multiple vitamins that contain vitamin A while taking this drug, as isotretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A and can cause vitamin A toxicity if taken in excess. However, this information is not as important as choice d, as the client may not take multiple vitamins or have vitamin A toxicity.
Choice D reason: Discontinue this medication one month before attempting to conceive, as isotretinoin can cause severe birth defects and miscarriages if taken during pregnancy. Therefore, this information is most important for the nurse to provide this client, as the client is planning to become pregnant and should avoid isotretinoin exposure.
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