A female client with osteoporosis has been taking a weekly dose of oral risedronate for several weeks. The client calls the clinic nurse to report increasing “heartburn.” How should the nurse respond?
Ask the client to describe how she takes the medication.
Suggest use of an antacid two hours after the medication.
Remind the client to take the medication with plenty of water.
Advise the client to go to the nearest emergency department.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Asking the client to describe how she takes the medication is the most appropriate initial response by the nurse. “Heartburn” reported after taking risedronate raises concerns about potential esophageal irritation or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) exacerbation. Understanding the client’s administration technique (e.g., whether she takes the medication with a full glass of water and remains upright for at least 30 minutes afterward) can help identify potential causes of the reported symptoms.
B) While suggesting the use of an antacid two hours after the medication may provide symptomatic relief, it does not address the underlying issue of potential esophageal irritation or GERD exacerbation related to risedronate administration. Moreover, if the client’s symptoms are due to esophageal irritation, using an antacid may mask the symptoms without addressing the cause.
C) Reminding the client to take the medication with plenty of water is a standard recommendation for bisphosphonate administration to minimize the risk of esophageal irritation and ensure proper drug absorption. However, since the client is already experiencing “heartburn,” further assessment of the client’s medication administration technique is warranted before providing this reminder.
D) Advising the client to go to the nearest emergency department is not appropriate at this stage, as the reported symptom of “heartburn” does not suggest an immediate life-threatening emergency. However, if the client experiences severe chest pain, difficulty swallowing, or signs of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing), emergency medical attention would be necessary.
Therefore, the nurse should first assess the client’s medication administration technique to determine if improper administration may be contributing to the reported symptoms. Based on this assessment, appropriate interventions can be provided to address potential esophageal irritation or GERD exacerbation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Increased frequency of lacrimation is not typically associated with miotic therapy. Miotics work by constricting the pupil and increasing outflow of aqueous humor to reduce intraocular pressure, but they do not directly affect lacrimation (tear production). Therefore, this option is not the etiology for the “Risk for injury” nursing problem.
B) Decreased night vision is a common side effect of miotic therapy. Miotics constrict the pupil, which can reduce the amount of light entering the eye, leading to impaired night vision or difficulty seeing in low-light conditions. This impaired vision increases the risk of injury, particularly in situations with reduced lighting.
C) Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia) is not typically associated with miotic therapy. Miotics constrict the pupil, which may actually reduce sensitivity to light by decreasing the amount of light entering the eye. Therefore, increased sensitivity to light is not the etiology for the “Risk for injury” nursing problem in this case.
D) Diminished color perception is not a common side effect of miotic therapy. Miotics primarily affect pupil constriction and intraocular pressure but do not typically alter color perception. Therefore, diminished color perception is not the etiology for the “Risk for injury” nursing problem.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Sleeps soundly through the night: Zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic medication commonly prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia in older adults. The desired outcome of administering zolpidem is improved sleep quality, including the ability to sleep soundly through the night. Documenting that the client sleeps soundly through the night indicates that the medication has achieved its intended effect of promoting sleep.
B) Exhibits fewer emotional outbursts: While zolpidem may indirectly contribute to emotional stability by improving sleep quality, it is not primarily indicated for reducing emotional outbursts. Therefore, this documentation does not specifically reflect the desired outcome of zolpidem administration.
C) Improved ability to concentrate: Zolpidem’s primary effect is on sleep induction rather than concentration. While improved sleep may indirectly enhance concentration in some cases, this documentation does not directly relate to the intended outcome of zolpidem therapy.
D) Decreased episodes of incontinence: Zolpidem is not indicated for the treatment of urinary incontinence, so documenting a decrease in episodes of incontinence would not reflect the desired outcome of zolpidem administration.
Therefore, the most appropriate documentation indicating that the desired outcome has been achieved when administering zolpidem to an older client is that the client “sleeps soundly through the night.” This reflects the medication’s primary purpose of improving sleep quality and duration.
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