. 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. Premedicate the client with diphenhydramine. Premedicating with diphenhydramine is not necessary unless the client has a history of mild allergic reactions to erythromycin. Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic and does not have significant cross-reactivity with penicillin, making premedication unnecessary.
B. Request a different route of administration from the provider. Changing the route of administration does not address concerns about allergy. Erythromycin is well tolerated in clients with a penicillin allergy, and there is no indication that a different route would be required unless the client has difficulty swallowing or gastrointestinal intolerance.
C. Administer the medication to the client. Erythromycin belongs to the macrolide class and is commonly prescribed as an alternative for clients allergic to penicillin. There is no cross-reactivity between macrolides and penicillins, making erythromycin a safe and effective option for treating bacterial infections in these clients.
D. Request a different medication from the provider. There is no need to request an alternative medication unless the client has a known allergy to erythromycin. Since macrolides are safe for clients with penicillin allergies, withholding the medication without a valid reason could delay necessary treatment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Anorexia. While gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and esophageal irritation can occur with alendronate, anorexia is not a common adverse effect. If severe nausea leads to decreased appetite, the client should report this to their provider, but it is not a primary concern compared to more serious side effects.
B. Jaw pain. Jaw pain can indicate osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), a rare but serious adverse effect associated with long-term bisphosphonate use. This condition involves poor bone healing, especially after dental procedures, and can lead to bone deterioration. Clients taking alendronate should report any persistent jaw pain and undergo regular dental exams to monitor bone health.
C. Insomnia. Alendronate does not typically cause insomnia. While some medications, such as corticosteroids and stimulants, are linked to sleep disturbances, alendronate does not affect the central nervous system in a way that would disrupt sleep patterns.
D. Bruising. Alendronate does not interfere with platelet function or coagulation, making bruising an unlikely adverse effect. Clients who experience unexplained bruising should be evaluated for other underlying causes, such as blood disorders or medication interactions.
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