A nurse is caring for a client who reports he has headaches after taking chewable isosorbide dinitrate. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
"You should take the medication on an empty stomach to prevent a headache."
The headaches should decrease as you get used to the medication."
"Swallow the tablet whole to minimize your headaches."
"You can discontinue the medication until the headache goes away!"
The Correct Answer is B
Headaches are a common side effect of isosorbide dinitrate, especially when initially starting the medication. However, they often improve as the body adjusts to the medication. It is important to reassure the client that the headaches should decrease over time. If the headaches persist or worsen, the client should inform their healthcare provider for further evaluation and possible adjustment of the medication regimen.
The statement about taking the medication on an empty stomach is not relevant to preventing headaches associated with isosorbide dinitrate.
The statement about swallowing the tablet whole does not address the issue of headaches. Chewable isosorbide dinitrate is designed to be chewed or dissolved in the mouth, and swallowing it whole may not provide the intended therapeutic effect.
Discontinuing the medication until the headache goes away is not recommended without consulting the healthcare provider. Abruptly stopping or changing the dose of isosorbide dinitrate can have serious consequences and should only be done under medical supervision.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The plantar Babinski reflex is assessed by stroking the sole of the foot from the heel towards the toes. A normal response is the flexion or curling of the toes. An abnormal response, known as a positive Babinski sign, is the extension and fanning out of the toes, which indicates an upper motor neuron lesion.
"Place your foot in my hand and I will tap the back of your heel": This instruction is more relevant to testing the Achilles tendon reflex, where the nurse taps the back of the heel to elicit a plantarflexion response.
"Sit on the edge of the bed while I tap your knee": This instruction is more relevant to testing the patellar reflex, also known as the knee-jerk reflex. The nurse taps the patellar tendon just below the kneecap to elicit a reflexive contraction of the quadriceps muscle.
"Relax your arm across your chest and I will test your elbow extension": This instruction is more relevant to testing the triceps reflex, where the nurse taps the triceps tendon to elicit a reflexive extension of the elbow.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Hyperkalemia refers to an elevated level of potassium in the blood. It can have various manifestations, and one of the critical effects of hyperkalemia is its impact on cardiac function. High levels of potassium can disrupt the normal electrical conduction in the heart, leading to arrhythmias or irregular heart rate. These arrhythmias can range from mild palpitations to more severe and life-threatening conditions like ventricular fibrillation.
Dry mucous membranes are more commonly associated with dehydration or reduced fluid intake. Hyperkalemia does not directly cause dry mucous membranes.
Trousseau's sign is a clinical manifestation of hypocalcemia, not hyperkalemia. It is characterized by carpal spasm induced by inflating a blood pressure cuff above the client's systolic blood pressure for a few minutes.
Hyperactive reflexes are commonly seen in conditions such as hyperthyroidism or certain neurologic disorders. They are not directly related to hyperkalemia.
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