A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a newly licensed nurse about adverse effects of medications. The nurse should include that which of the following medications can cause constipation?

Choice A reason: Shaking the inhaler well before using it is a correct action for the client to take, as it helps to mix the medication and the propellant. However, it is not the best answer, as it is a general instruction that applies to most inhalers, not a specific one that indicates an understanding of the teaching.

Choice B reason: Holding the breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication is a correct action for the client to take, as it helps to keep the medication in the lungs and improve its absorption. However, it is not the best answer, as it is a general instruction that applies to most inhalers, not a specific one that indicates an understanding of the teaching.

Choice C reason: Rinsing the mouth with water after using the inhaler is the best answer, as it indicates an understanding of the teaching. Rinsing the mouth with water helps to prevent oral thrush, a fungal infection that can occur as a side effect of some inhalers, especially those that contain steroids.

Choice D reason: Waiting 30 seconds between each puff of the inhaler is not a correct action for the client to take, as it can reduce the effectiveness of the medication. The client should wait at least one minute between each puff of the inhaler, unless instructed otherwise by the provider.

The correct answer is b. Decreased deep tendon reflexes.

Choice A: Wheezing

Reason: Wheezing is typically associated with respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or allergic reactions. It is not a common manifestation of hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia primarily affects the muscular and cardiovascular systems rather than the respiratory system.

Choice B: Decreased deep tendon reflexes

Reason: Hyperkalemia can cause neuromuscular symptoms, including muscle weakness and decreased deep tendon reflexes. High potassium levels interfere with the normal function of muscle cells and nerves, leading to these symptoms. This is a direct result of the altered action potentials in neurons caused by elevated potassium levels.

Choice C: Hypoactive bowel sounds

Reason: Hypoactive bowel sounds are generally associated with conditions that cause decreased gastrointestinal motility, such as ileus or bowel obstruction. While hyperkalemia can affect muscle function, it is more likely to cause hyperactive bowel sounds due to increased gastrointestinal motility rather than hypoactive sounds.

Choice D: Cerebral edema

Reason: Cerebral edema is swelling of the brain and is not a typical manifestation of hyperkalemia. It is more commonly associated with conditions such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, or severe infections. Hyperkalemia primarily affects the heart and muscles.