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) Calms spasm in the urinary tract: This statement is incorrect. Phenazopyridine primarily provides analgesic (pain-relieving) effects for the urinary tract but does not directly affect muscle spasms.
B) Provides an analgesic effect for irritated bladder mucosa: This is the correct response. Phenazopyridine is a urinary tract analgesic that acts locally to relieve pain, burning, and discomfort caused by irritation of the bladder mucosa. It does not treat the underlying infection but helps alleviate symptoms.
C) Eliminates urinary bacteria: This statement is incorrect. Phenazopyridine does not have antibacterial properties and does not eliminate urinary bacteria. Antibiotics are typically prescribed to treat urinary tract infections by targeting bacterial growth.
D) Use the medication after voiding after sexual intercourse: This statement is incorrect. While voiding after sexual intercourse can help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), phenazopyridine is not specifically indicated for this purpose. It is used primarily for symptom relief in cases of cystitis or other urinary tract irritations.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Take the benzodiazepine at the same time of taking the morphine: This statement is incorrect. Benzodiazepines and morphine are both central nervous system depressants and can potentiate each other’s effects, leading to increased sedation and respiratory depression. Taking them together without proper supervision or dosage adjustment can be dangerous. Therefore, this statement indicates a misunderstanding of the medication regimen.
B) Do not drink grapefruit juice after taking morphine: While grapefruit juice can interact with certain medications by affecting their metabolism, there is no specific interaction between grapefruit juice and morphine that requires avoidance. Therefore, this statement is not directly related to the use of morphine for bone pain.
C) Watch for signs of agitation and record any insomnia: While it is important to monitor for side effects of morphine, such as agitation and insomnia, this statement does not directly relate to the management of constipation, which is a common side effect of opioid analgesics like morphine.
D) Observe bowel movement pattern and take a stool softener: This is the correct answer. Morphine is known to cause constipation as a side effect due to its action on opioid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, monitoring bowel movements and taking a stool softener can help prevent or alleviate constipation associated with morphine use. This statement indicates an understanding of the potential side effects of the medication and the importance of managing them appropriately.
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