A nurse is assessing a client who has a prescription for oral albuterol for the long-term management of asthma.
For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor?
Nystagmus.
Tachycardia.
Drowsiness.
Oral fungal infections.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Nystagmus, an involuntary rhythmic eye movement, is not a recognized or common adverse effect of oral albuterol. Albuterol is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist primarily acting on bronchial smooth muscle to cause bronchodilation. Its side effects are typically related to sympathetic nervous system stimulation, not oculomotor dysfunction.
Choice B rationale
Tachycardia is a common adverse effect of oral albuterol due to its systemic absorption and stimulation of beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart, in addition to its primary beta-2 effects on the lungs. This leads to an increased heart rate (normal range 60-100 bpm) and can cause palpitations, especially in sensitive individuals or with higher doses.
Choice C rationale
Drowsiness is not a typical adverse effect of oral albuterol. In fact, due to its stimulant properties, albuterol is more likely to cause central nervous system excitation, leading to insomnia, nervousness, or tremors rather than sedation. Its action is to activate adrenergic pathways, which generally promote alertness.
Choice D rationale
Oral fungal infections, such as oral candidiasis (thrush), are commonly associated with inhaled corticosteroids, not oral albuterol. Inhaled corticosteroids suppress the local immune response in the oral cavity, allowing opportunistic fungal growth. Oral albuterol does not have immunosuppressive effects on the oral mucosa.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Gastrointestinal reflux, or GERD, is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. While triptans can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset, GERD itself is not a contraindication to sumatriptan use. The mechanism of action of sumatriptan involves serotonin receptor agonism, which does not significantly exacerbate or directly interact with the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal reflux disease.
Choice B rationale
Angina pectoris is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, often due to coronary artery disease. Sumatriptan causes vasoconstriction by acting on serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptors. This generalized vasoconstrictive effect can lead to coronary artery spasm and worsen myocardial ischemia, making it a significant contraindication in patients with cardiovascular conditions like angina pectoris or a history of myocardial infarction.
Choice C rationale
Routine acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) use is common for its antiplatelet and analgesic properties. There is no known direct contraindication to sumatriptan use in patients taking routine acetylsalicylic acid. While both medications can affect platelet function, their mechanisms of action and indications are distinct, and concurrent use is generally considered safe if no other contraindications exist.
Choice D rationale
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, itchy patches. Eczema is a dermatological condition and does not have any physiological or pharmacological interaction with sumatriptan's mechanism of action, which primarily involves vasoconstriction in the cerebral vasculature and inhibition of trigeminal nerve activity. Therefore, eczema is not a contraindication to sumatriptan therapy.
Correct Answer is ["C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
An elevated troponin level indicates myocardial injury or infarction. While severe acetaminophen toxicity can rarely lead to cardiac dysfunction, it is not a primary or common finding. The main organ affected is the liver due to the formation of toxic metabolites.
Choice B rationale
Hyperglycemia is not a typical finding in acetaminophen toxicity. Liver damage can impair glucose regulation, but the immediate and common metabolic derangements are usually related to liver enzyme elevation and acid-base imbalances, not primary glucose elevation.
Choice C rationale
Increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level is a critical indicator of hepatotoxicity, the primary concern in acetaminophen overdose. N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), a toxic metabolite, depletes glutathione, leading to hepatocellular necrosis and leakage of intracellular enzymes like ALT (normal range 7–55 U/L).
Choice D rationale
Abdominal discomfort is a common finding in acetaminophen toxicity, particularly as liver damage progresses. This discomfort, often described as right upper quadrant pain, results from hepatocellular injury and inflammation, potentially accompanied by hepatic swelling.
Choice E rationale
Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, is an early and non-specific symptom of acute acetaminophen overdose. It often accompanies other initial gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting, occurring as the body attempts to excrete the drug and in response to initial metabolic stress.
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