A nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed ondansetron (Zofran) for postoperative nausea and vomiting. Which of the following is a complication associated with this medication?
Prolonged QT interval
Extrapyramidal symptoms
Nausea
Vomiting
The Correct Answer is A
A. Prolonged QT interval – This is correct. Ondansetron can cause prolongation of the QT interval, increasing the risk of arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes. This is a serious complication that requires monitoring, particularly in clients with cardiac risks.
B. Extrapyramidal symptoms – This is incorrect. Ondansetron does not typically cause extrapyramidal symptoms, which are more associated with dopamine antagonists like metoclopramide or prochlorperazine.
C. Nausea – This is incorrect. Ondansetron is specifically used to treat nausea and vomiting, not to cause them. If nausea persists, it may indicate treatment failure or another underlying issue.
D. Vomiting – This is incorrect. Ondansetron is an antiemetic and works to prevent vomiting. Vomiting would not be a complication of this medication under proper use.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Metformin does not typically cause hypoglycemia because it works by decreasing hepatic glucose production and improving insulin sensitivity, not directly lowering blood sugar levels.
B. Somnolence could indicate lactic acidosis, a rare but serious adverse effect of metformin that warrants immediate medical attention.
C. Fluid retention is not a known adverse effect of metformin. Other medications, such as certain thiazolidinediones, are associated with this complication.
D. Hyperglycemia is not a typical adverse effect of metformin; instead, it helps manage blood glucose levels in clients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Nausea is the symptom prochlorperazine is intended to treat, so its occurrence would suggest that the medication is not effective rather than being a complication.
B. Prolonged QT interval is not a typical complication of prochlorperazine; it is more commonly associated with medications like ondansetron.
C. Restlessness can indicate akathisia, a potential extrapyramidal side effect of prochlorperazine. This condition involves an intense feeling of restlessness and the need to move, commonly associated with dopamine antagonists.
D. Vomiting is a symptom treated by prochlorperazine and would likely occur due to inadequate control rather than being a complication of the drug itself.
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