A nurse is collecting data from a client who has gout and is taking allopurinol. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse identify as the priority to report to the provider?

Rash

Diarrhea

Nausea

Metallic taste in mouth

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Rash. A rash while taking allopurinol can indicate a serious hypersensitivity reaction, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). These life-threatening conditions involve widespread skin blistering, mucosal involvement, and systemic symptoms. Immediate discontinuation of allopurinol and medical intervention are required to prevent severe complications.

B. Diarrhea. Mild gastrointestinal disturbances, including diarrhea, are common with allopurinol use. While bothersome, diarrhea is not life-threatening and can often be managed by adjusting the dose or taking the medication with food. It does not require immediate discontinuation unless severe or persistent.

C. Nausea. Nausea is a common, mild side effect of allopurinol that usually resolves with time or by taking the medication after meals. It is not an emergency and does not require urgent intervention unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as vomiting or severe abdominal pain.

D. Metallic taste in mouth. A metallic taste can occur with allopurinol use but is not harmful. It is a minor side effect that does not indicate toxicity or severe adverse reactions. Clients can be reassured that this effect is temporary and not a reason to stop the medication.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C","dropdown-group-2":"A"}

Explanation

NSAID use. The client has been taking ibuprofen (an NSAID) twice daily while also receiving prednisone (a corticosteroid) for asthma exacerbation. Both NSAIDs and corticosteroids inhibit prostaglandin production, which normally protects the stomach lining. This combination increases the risk of gastric irritation, peptic ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Recent immunization. The client received the influenza vaccine three days ago, but this does not significantly increase the risk of infection. The flu shot contains inactivated or weakened virus, meaning it cannot cause the flu. The client’s asthma may increase their risk of complications from the flu, but the vaccine helps reduce this risk rather than increasing it.
Weight gain. The client has gained 1.36 kg (3 lb) in one week, which is likely due to fluid retention from prednisone use. While long-term corticosteroid use can lead to Cushing syndrome, this condition develops over weeks to months of high-dose steroid therapy, not within a short period. Therefore, the client is at a higher risk of peptic ulcers rather than Cushing syndrome.
Cushing syndrome. Cushing syndrome results from chronic corticosteroid use leading to fat redistribution, muscle weakness, skin thinning, and hyperglycemia. However, this client is on a short-term tapering dose of prednisone, making Cushing syndrome unlikely at this stage.
Influenza. Although the client has asthma, which increases the risk of complications from respiratory infections, there is no indication that they have developed the flu. The flu shot helps prevent infection, and there are no reports of fever, body aches, or respiratory symptoms suggestive of influenza.
Peptic ulcers. The combination of NSAIDs and corticosteroids significantly increases the risk of peptic ulcer disease by weakening the stomach lining and promoting acid production. The client should be advised to monitor for signs of gastric irritation, such as abdominal pain, black stools, or nausea, and may require a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) like omeprazole for ulcer prevention.

A. Tinnitus B. Bleeding gums C. Jaundice D. Deep vein thrombosis

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Tinnitus. Phenytoin is not commonly associated with tinnitus. Ototoxicity is more frequently linked to medications such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, loop diuretics, or high-dose aspirin. While phenytoin affects the nervous system, it does not typically cause ringing in the ears.

B. Bleeding gums. Gingival hyperplasia, characterized by swollen and bleeding gums, is a well-known adverse effect of phenytoin, especially with long-term use. It occurs due to an overgrowth of gum tissue and can be minimized with good oral hygiene and regular dental care. Clients should be advised to brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and visit the dentist regularly.

C. Jaundice. Although phenytoin is metabolized by the liver, hepatotoxicity and jaundice are not common side effects. However, liver function should still be monitored, particularly in clients with pre-existing liver conditions or those taking other hepatotoxic medications.

D. Deep vein thrombosis. Phenytoin does not significantly increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). While some anticonvulsants may affect coagulation factors, phenytoin is not known to cause hypercoagulability or clot formation. Clients at risk for DVT should be monitored for other contributing factors, such as immobility or genetic predisposition.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has gout and is taking allopurinol. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse identify as the priority to report to the provider?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in a primary care clinic is caring for a client. Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options. The client is most at risk for developing ....... due to their ...........

Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C","dropdown-group-2":"A"}

Explanation

A nurse is administering phenytoin to a client. The nurse should monitor for which of the following adverse effects?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has COPD and has been taking long-term high doses of prednisone. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is reviewing a list of current medications for a client who is starting therapy with furosemide. Which of the following medications should the nurse identify as being contraindicated?

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving filgrastim. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects?

A nurse is collecting a medication history from the parent of a preschooler who comes to the clinic for routine immunizations. For which of the following findings should the nurse withhold the varicella immunization?

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a continuous IV infusion and reports pain at the IV insertion site. The nurse observes the arm is swollen and cool to touch. After discontinuing the infusion, which of the following actions should the nurse take next?

A nurse is administering heparin subcutaneously to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse in an outpatient clinic is caring for a client. Select the 6 statements the nurse should include when reinforcing teaching to the client about the newly prescribed medication

A nurse is collecting data from a client following the administration of a new medication. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a manifestation of an allergic reaction?