A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for an ipratropium inhaler to control COPD bronchospasm.
For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor?
Xerostomia.
Periorbital edema.
Bradycardia.
Dental caries.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Ipratropium is an anticholinergic bronchodilator that blocks muscarinic receptors in the bronchial smooth muscle, leading to bronchodilation. A common adverse effect of anticholinergic medications is reduced salivary gland secretion, resulting in xerostomia, or dry mouth, due to inhibition of parasympathetic stimulation.
Choice B rationale
Periorbital edema is not a typical adverse effect of ipratropium. This medication primarily targets muscarinic receptors in the respiratory tract. Edema, particularly around the eyes, is more commonly associated with allergic reactions or fluid retention from other medications.
Choice C rationale
Ipratropium, being an anticholinergic, primarily acts on M3 receptors in the lungs and has minimal systemic absorption, thus rarely causing bradycardia. In fact, anticholinergics can sometimes cause a mild increase in heart rate due to blockade of M2 receptors in the heart, but clinically significant changes are uncommon.
Choice D rationale
While xerostomia can contribute to dental issues over time due to reduced saliva's protective effects, dental caries is not a direct, acute adverse effect of ipratropium itself. It is a potential long-term complication of prolonged dry mouth, rather than a direct drug-induced effect to monitor immediately.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Calcium levels are primarily regulated by parathyroid hormone and calcitonin and are essential for bone health and muscle function. Neither lovastatin nor ezetimibe directly impacts calcium metabolism to a degree that requires routine monitoring of serum calcium levels. Calcium monitoring is not a primary concern for these lipid-lowering medications.
Choice B rationale
Creatinine clearance is a measure of renal function, reflecting the kidney's ability to filter waste products from the blood. While some medications can affect kidney function, lovastatin and ezetimibe do not typically have significant nephrotoxic effects that necessitate routine monitoring of creatinine clearance unless pre-existing renal impairment is present.
Choice C rationale
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced by the pituitary gland and regulates thyroid hormone production. There is no direct pharmacological mechanism by which lovastatin or ezetimibe would significantly alter thyroid function or TSH levels. Therefore, TSH monitoring is not a standard requirement for these lipid-lowering therapies.
Choice D rationale
Both lovastatin (a statin) and ezetimibe can, albeit rarely, cause liver dysfunction, including elevated liver enzymes. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is a specific indicator of hepatocellular injury. Monitoring ALT is crucial to detect potential drug-induced hepatotoxicity, particularly with combination therapy, ensuring early intervention if liver damage occurs. Normal ALT is typically 7-55 U/L.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
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.
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