A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for amoxicillin. Which of the following findings indicates the client is experiencing an allergic reaction?
Nausea
Insomnia
Laryngeal edema
Cardiac dysrhythmia
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Nausea is incorrect. Nausea is a common side effect of many medications, including antibiotics like amoxicillin. While it can be a side effect of an allergic reaction, it's also a general symptom that can occur due to various reasons, such as gastrointestinal upset or the direct effects of the antibiotic on the stomach lining. Nausea alone is less specific for indicating an allergic reaction compared to severe symptoms like laryngeal edema.
Choice B Reason:
Insomnia is incorrect. Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, is not a typical manifestation of an allergic reaction to amoxicillin. Allergic reactions usually involve more immediate and visible symptoms such as skin rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, or in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Insomnia is not a common symptom associated with allergic responses to antibiotics.
Choice C Reason:
Laryngeal edema is correct. Laryngeal edema, or swelling of the larynx, is a serious symptom of an allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. This severe allergic reaction can be life-threatening due to its potential to obstruct the airway, leading to breathing difficulties.
Choice D Reason:
Cardiac dysrhythmia is incorrect. While medications can sometimes affect heart rhythms, cardiac dysrhythmia is not a common symptom of an allergic reaction to amoxicillin. Allergic reactions tend to manifest with more immediate symptoms like skin reactions, respiratory issues, or swelling rather than primarily affecting the heart rhythm.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
BUN 15 mg/dL (blood urea nitrogen) is incorrect. An elevated BUN level can indicate kidney dysfunction or dehydration, but it's not typically associated with azathioprine's adverse effects. Azathioprine is known to affect bone marrow, leading to decreased blood cell counts, rather than directly impacting kidney function.
Choice B Reason:
WBC 3,000/mm³ (low white blood cell count) is correct. Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive medication used to treat various conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis. One of its known adverse effects is bone marrow suppression, which can lead to decreased production of blood cells, including white blood cells (WBCs). A low WBC count (leukopenia) can increase the risk of infections due to compromised immune function, making it an important adverse effect to monitor in individuals taking azathioprine.
Choice C Reason:
Hct 45% (hematocrit) is incorrect. A hematocrit of 45% is within the normal range for both men and women. Azathioprine adverse effects usually manifest as blood cell-related issues (such as leukopenia) rather than directly impacting hematocrit levels.
Choice D Reason:
Platelets 250,000/mm³: Platelets within the range of 150,000 to 400,000/mm³ are considered normal. Azathioprine typically affects white blood cells more prominently than platelet counts.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Hypokalemia is correct. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that promotes the excretion of sodium and water in the kidneys, leading to increased urine production. However, it can also cause the loss of potassium (hypokalemia) as a side effect. Hypokalemia can manifest with symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, irregular heart rhythms, and muscle cramps.
Choice B Reason:
Hypermagnesemia is incorrect. Hydrochlorothiazide typically promotes the loss of magnesium rather than causing elevated magnesium levels.
Choice C Reason:
Hypernatremia is incorrect. Hydrochlorothiazide is more likely to cause a decrease in sodium levels (hyponatremia) rather than an increase (hypernatremia).
Choice D Reason:
Hypocalcemia is incorrect. Hydrochlorothiazide can cause increased excretion of calcium but it's not a common adverse effect compared to the loss of potassium (hypokalemia).
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