A nurse is taking care of a patient that has a new prescription for labetalol (beta blocker). What adverse effect should the nurse include in the medication education?
Hypokalemia
Bleeding
Bradycardia
Seizures
The Correct Answer is C
A) Hypokalemia:
Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) is not a common adverse effect of labetalol. While some medications, such as diuretics, can lead to hypokalemia, labetalol does not typically affect potassium levels directly. Instead, labetalol's primary effects are on blood pressure and heart rate.
B) Bleeding:
Bleeding is not a typical adverse effect of labetalol. Labetalol is a beta blocker that works by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, which lowers heart rate and blood pressure. It does not interfere with blood clotting or platelet function, so bleeding would not be a concern unless the patient is on other medications that affect coagulation (such as anticoagulants).
C) Bradycardia:
Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is a well-known and common adverse effect of beta blockers like labetalol. Labetalol works by blocking the beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart, which can reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure. In some individuals, this can result in bradycardia, which could lead to symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and fainting.
D) Seizures:
Seizures are not a typical adverse effect of labetalol. Although central nervous system effects like dizziness or fatigue can occur due to the blood pressure-lowering effects, seizures are not commonly associated with this medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) A client who has early dementia and awoke confused to their location this morning:
Confusion in a client with early dementia could indicate a range of possible causes, such as infections, medication side effects, or changes in routine. However, while this warrants investigation, confusion alone does not represent an immediate life-threatening situation according to the ABCDE priority framework. The focus is on managing airway, breathing, circulation, and disability issues first.
B) A client who is scheduled for discharge and has a 38.4°C (101.1°F) temperature this morning:
A fever may indicate infection, which would require further assessment and potentially treatment. While this is a concern, it does not immediately threaten the client's airway, breathing, or circulation. Since the client is not in an acute crisis and is scheduled for discharge, this would be a lower priority compared to clients with more urgent issues like breathing problems or insufficient urine output.
C) A client who has pneumonia and has developed wheezing:
Wheezing indicates potential airway constriction, which could impair the client's breathing. Given that breathing difficulties are a primary concern in the ABCDE priority framework (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure), this client requires immediate attention. Pneumonia combined with wheezing can signify a worsening respiratory condition, which poses an acute risk to the client's oxygenation and overall stability.
D) A client who is postoperative and has a urine output of 50 mL for the past 3 hours:
Oliguria (low urine output) postoperatively is concerning, as it may indicate kidney dysfunction, hypovolemia, or other complications. While it is an important issue that requires attention, it is not immediately life-threatening unless the client shows signs of worsening shock or kidney failure. However, given that this issue does not immediately affect the client’s airway or breathing, it is a lower priority than the client with pneumonia and wheezing.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D:
The client seems to be more comfortable performing self-administration of insulin: The use of the term “seems” introduces subjectivity, which weakens the clarity and objectivity of the documentation. It’s better to describe specific observations or objective findings. For instance, instead of using “seems,” the nurse could note how the client demonstrated confidence or performed the task with ease, providing concrete evidence of improvement.
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