. A nurse is caring for a client who is taking alendronate to treat osteoporosis. The nurse should monitor for which of the following adverse effects?
Drowsiness
Dyskinesia
Musculoskeletal pain
Weight gain
The Correct Answer is C
A. Drowsiness. Alendronate, a bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis, does not cause drowsiness. It primarily affects bone metabolism rather than the central nervous system. If a client experiences drowsiness, it is likely due to another cause rather than the medication itself.
B. Dyskinesia. Dyskinesia refers to involuntary movements often associated with neurological disorders or medications affecting dopamine, such as antipsychotics or Parkinson’s medications. Alendronate does not affect dopamine or the nervous system, making dyskinesia an unlikely adverse effect.
C. Musculoskeletal pain. A known side effect of alendronate is musculoskeletal pain, including bone, joint, and muscle discomfort. This occurs due to the medication’s effects on bone remodeling and turnover. While mild pain may resolve on its own, persistent or severe pain should be reported to the provider as it may require dose adjustment or discontinuation.
D. Weight gain. Alendronate does not cause weight gain. It primarily acts on bone tissue to inhibit osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, preventing further bone loss. Clients experiencing unexplained weight gain should be evaluated for other potential causes, such as metabolic conditions or lifestyle factors.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Lower the head of the client's bed. There is no need to lower the client’s head of the bed in response to receiving glipizide instead of guaifenesin. Glipizide is an oral antidiabetic medication used to lower blood glucose, while guaifenesin is an expectorant for respiratory conditions. Lowering the head of the bed does not address the potential effects of receiving the wrong medication.
B. Check the client for urinary retention. Glipizide does not cause urinary retention. Instead, it stimulates insulin release to lower blood sugar. If hypoglycemia occurs due to an unintentional dose of glipizide, symptoms such as sweating, dizziness, confusion, or tremors are more concerning than bladder dysfunction.
C. Offer the client a carbohydrate snack. Since glipizide lowers blood glucose levels, administering it instead of guaifenesin could result in hypoglycemia, particularly in a client who does not have diabetes. The nurse should monitor for signs of low blood sugar, such as shakiness, confusion, diaphoresis, and dizziness, and provide a fast-acting carbohydrate (e.g., juice, crackers, or glucose tablets) if symptoms develop.
D. Test the client’s deep-tendon reflexes. Glipizide does not affect neuromuscular function or deep-tendon reflexes. While severe hypoglycemia can cause altered mental status or seizures, routine reflex testing is not necessary for monitoring the effects of an incorrect glipizide administration.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "If my pain is not relieved in 20 minutes, I will take a second tablet." Sublingual nitroglycerin should be taken at 5-minute intervals, up to a maximum of three doses within 15 minutes. If chest pain persists after three doses, emergency medical assistance is necessary, as this may indicate a myocardial infarction. Delaying a second dose for 20 minutes may lead to worsening of the condition and delay appropriate treatment.
B. "I will keep my tablets on a shelf in the bathroom." Nitroglycerin is highly sensitive to heat, light, and moisture, which can cause it to lose potency. Storing it in the bathroom, where temperature and humidity fluctuate, can degrade the medication. It should be kept in its original dark glass container with the lid tightly closed and stored in a cool, dry place away from moisture and heat sources.
C. "I should be sure to swallow the tablet whole." Sublingual nitroglycerin is designed to dissolve under the tongue for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. Swallowing it whole delays its effect because it would need to pass through the digestive system before being absorbed, reducing its ability to quickly relieve angina. Clients should be instructed to place the tablet under the tongue and allow it to dissolve completely without chewing or swallowing.
D. “If my mouth is dry, I will take a sip of water before I take the tablet.” A dry mouth can slow the dissolution of the sublingual tablet, delaying its absorption and effectiveness. Taking a sip of water before administration ensures the tablet dissolves properly under the tongue, allowing for rapid relief of angina symptoms. However, clients should avoid drinking excessive amounts of water that might wash the tablet down before it dissolves.
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