A nurse is assessing a client who has major depressive disorder and is taking amitriptyline.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an adverse effect of the medication?
Diarrhea
Frequent urination
Excessive salivation
Blurred vision
The Correct Answer is D
- A. Diarrhea is not an adverse effect of amitriptyline, which is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). Diarrhea may be caused by other factors, such as infection, food intolerance, or stress. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
- B. Frequent urination is not an adverse effect of amitriptyline either. Frequent urination may be a sign of diabetes, urinary tract infection, or other conditions that affect the kidneys or bladder. Therefore, this choice is also incorrect.
- C. Excessive salivation is not an adverse effect of amitriptyline as well. Excessive salivation may be due to increased production of saliva, difficulty swallowing, or mouth irritation. Therefore, this choice is incorrect too.
- D. Blurred vision is an adverse effect of amitriptyline and other TCAs. Amitriptyline can cause anticholinergic effects, such as dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and blurred vision. These effects are more pronounced in older adults and can impair their daily functioning and quality of life. Therefore, this choice is correct and the nurse should identify it as an adverse effect of the medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A client who has cellulitis and is receiving oral antibiotics every 8 hr has a mild to moderate infection that can be managed at home with proper wound care and medication adherence. The client does not require hospitalization unless there are signs of systemic infection or complications.
B. A client who is postoperative following an upper endoscopy procedure and is alert but does not have a gag reflex has a high risk of aspiration and airway obstruction due to impaired swallowing function. The client requires close monitoring and intervention until the gag reflex returns, which can take several hours or longer depending on the type and amount of anesthesia used.
C. A mother and their newborn 12 hr postdelivery have not completed the minimum recommended stay of 24 to 48 hours for uncomplicated vaginal deliveries or 72 to 96 hours for cesarean deliveries, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The mother and their newborn require assessment, education, support, and follow-up care to ensure their health and well-being.
D. A client who has lower extremity weakness and is newly admitted for observation has an undiagnosed condition that could indicate a serious neurological or vascular problem, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, or peripheral artery disease. The client requires diagnostic testing, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation to prevent further deterioration or complications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
- A is incorrect because tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is not an adverse effect of captopril, but rather a symptom of other conditions such as ear infection, noise exposure, or medication toxicity.
- B is correct because cough is a serious adverse effect of captopril, which is an angiotensinconverting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that can cause angioedema, or swelling of the airways.
- C is incorrect because polyuria, or excessive urination, is not an adverse effect of captopril, but rather a symptom of other conditions such as diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, or diuretic use.
- D is incorrect because blurred vision is not an adverse effect of captopril, but rather a symptom of other conditions such as eye strain, refractive error, or cataract.
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