A newly diagnosed epilepsy patient is prescribed diazepam. The nurse understands that this medication causes which of the following adverse effects?
Tachycardia
Increased tendon reflexes
CNS depression
Nervousness
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Tachycardia is not a common adverse effect of diazepam. While benzodiazepines like diazepam can cause changes in heart rate, they typically do not lead to tachycardia as a primary side effect.
Choice B reason:
Increased tendon reflexes are not associated with diazepam use. In fact, diazepam can cause muscle relaxation, leading to decreased reflexes rather than increased ones.
Choice C reason:
CNS depression is a well-known adverse effect of diazepam. This medication enhances the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA, leading to sedation, drowsiness, and overall central nervous system depression.
Choice D reason:
Nervousness is generally not a side effect of diazepam. This medication is used to reduce anxiety and promote calmness, so it is more likely to alleviate nervousness rather than cause it.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Diazepam (Valium) is a benzodiazepine used as a first-line treatment for status epilepticus. It is effective in quickly stopping ongoing seizures by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has an inhibitory effect on the nervous system.
Choice B reason:
Ethosuximide (Zarontin) is primarily used to treat absence seizures and is not effective for status epilepticus. It does not act rapidly enough to manage the acute and prolonged seizures seen in status epilepticus.
Choice C reason:
Benztropine (Cogentin) is an anticholinergic medication used to treat Parkinson's disease and medication-induced movement disorders. It is not indicated for managing seizures or status epilepticus.
Choice D reason:
Levodopa (Sinemet) is used to treat Parkinson's disease by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. It has no role in managing seizures and is not appropriate for the treatment of status epilepticus.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer. Fatigue is a common symptom of anemia, especially following significant blood loss. The body's reduced oxygen-carrying capacity due to decreased hemoglobin levels leads to tiredness and weakness, making this symptom expected and relevant in the context described.
Choice B reason: Hypertension is less likely to be directly associated with postoperative anemia. Anemia typically results in compensatory mechanisms such as increased heart rate rather than elevated blood pressure. Therefore, this option is not the expected finding in this scenario.
Choice C reason: Bradycardia, or slow heart rate, is generally not a direct symptom of anemia. In fact, anemia often leads to tachycardia (increased heart rate) as the body attempts to maintain adequate oxygen delivery despite the lower hemoglobin levels. Hence, this choice is less likely.
Choice D reason: Diarrhea is not commonly related to anemia, especially postoperative anemia due to blood loss. It is more associated with gastrointestinal issues or infections and does not directly correlate with the hematologic condition described, making this option less likely.
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