A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving acetaminophen for mild pain.
The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects of this medication?

Choice A rationale:

While reminding the client to change positions slowly is important to prevent orthostatic hypotension, it is not the priority before administering furosemide.

Choice B rationale:

Preparing the client’s medication is an important step, but it should be done after reviewing the client’s electrolyte levels.

Choice C rationale:

Recording the client’s urinary output is important when administering furosemide, a diuretic, but it is not the priority action.

Choice D rationale:

Reviewing the client’s electrolyte levels is crucial before administering furosemide because it can cause electrolyte imbalances, including low potassium levels, which can lead to serious cardiac complications.

Choice A rationale:

Dry mouth is a common side effect of diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that is often used to treat allergies, insomnia, and symptoms of the common cold. It works by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms. One of the effects of histamine is increased salivation, so when diphenhydramine blocks this effect, it can lead to dry mouth.

Choice B rationale:

Nausea is also a common side effect of diphenhydramine. This can occur because diphenhydramine can slow down the emptying of the stomach, leading to feelings of nausea. Additionally, diphenhydramine can affect the vestibular system in the inner ear, which can also lead to feelings of nausea.

Choice C rationale:

Agitation is considered an idiosyncratic reaction to diphenhydramine. An idiosyncratic reaction is an unusual or unexpected reaction to a drug that is not related to the usual pharmacological action of the drug. While diphenhydramine is typically used for its sedative effects, in some cases it can cause paradoxical central nervous system stimulation, leading to agitation.

Choice D rationale:

Dizziness is another common side effect of diphenhydramine. This occurs because diphenhydramine can affect the vestibular system in the inner ear, which plays a key role in maintaining balance. When this system is affected, it can lead to feelings of dizziness.