A female in her late twenties stumbled into the emergency room, her face flushed and sweaty. Upon initial assessment, the triage nurse observed rapid breathing and mild confusion. The patient reported a persistent headache lasting several days, for which she had been self-medicating with an undetermined amount of Aspirin. Given this clinical picture, the triage nurse suspected possible salicylate toxicity and began a focused assessment. Which of the following manifestations would the triage nurse identify as a classic finding of salicylate toxicity?
Dry Cough
Xanthopsia (Yellow Vision)
Moon Facies
Tinnitus
The Correct Answer is D
A. Dry Cough: A dry cough is not typically associated with salicylate toxicity. It is more commonly seen in conditions like ACE inhibitor use, respiratory infections, or asthma, and does not help distinguish salicylate overdose.
B. Xanthopsia (Yellow Vision): This visual disturbance is more classically linked to digoxin toxicity, not salicylates. Patients experiencing digoxin toxicity may report seeing halos or yellow-tinted vision, but this is not seen with aspirin overdose.
C. Moon Facies: This refers to a rounded facial appearance typically caused by chronic corticosteroid use and is a hallmark of Cushingoid features, not salicylate toxicity.
D. Tinnitus: Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) is a classic early symptom of salicylate toxicity. It often precedes more serious effects like metabolic acidosis, hyperventilation, confusion, and even seizures. It serves as an important clinical clue when assessing patients with possible aspirin overdose.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Dry Cough: A dry cough is not typically associated with salicylate toxicity. It is more commonly seen in conditions like ACE inhibitor use, respiratory infections, or asthma, and does not help distinguish salicylate overdose.
B. Xanthopsia (Yellow Vision): This visual disturbance is more classically linked to digoxin toxicity, not salicylates. Patients experiencing digoxin toxicity may report seeing halos or yellow-tinted vision, but this is not seen with aspirin overdose.
C. Moon Facies: This refers to a rounded facial appearance typically caused by chronic corticosteroid use and is a hallmark of Cushingoid features, not salicylate toxicity.
D. Tinnitus: Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) is a classic early symptom of salicylate toxicity. It often precedes more serious effects like metabolic acidosis, hyperventilation, confusion, and even seizures. It serves as an important clinical clue when assessing patients with possible aspirin overdose.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "You should see benefits within days of starting your atorvastatin.": Atorvastatin works by lowering LDL cholesterol, but measurable improvements in lipid levels typically take several weeks. Immediate effects are unlikely, and full benefits depend on adherence and time.
B. "You may consume grapefruit juice freely while on this medication.": Grapefruit juice inhibits CYP3A4 enzymes in the liver and intestines, which can lead to increased levels of atorvastatin in the blood. This raises the risk of adverse effects, particularly muscle toxicity.
C. "Report any muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness to your healthcare provider immediately.": These symptoms may indicate myopathy or rhabdomyolysis, a rare but serious adverse effect of statins. Early reporting allows for prompt evaluation and potential discontinuation of the drug to prevent complications.
D. "You can use an NSAID prior to taking your atorvastatin to prevent flushing.": Flushing is not a common side effect of atorvastatin; this teaching applies to niacin, not statins. Using NSAIDs prophylactically for atorvastatin is unnecessary and not clinically indicated.
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