A nurse is teaching a patient who has schizophrenia strategies to cope with anticholinergic effects of fluphenazine. Which of the following should the nurse suggest to the patient to minimize anticholinergic effects?
Take the medication in the morning to prevent insomnia.
Use cooling measures to decrease fever.
Chew sugarless gum to moisten the mouth.
Take an antacid to relieve nausea.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Take the medication in the morning to prevent insomnia: This instruction is not directly
related to minimizing anticholinergic effects; it's more about managing the timing of medication administration.
B. Use cooling measures to decrease fever: Anticholinergic effects do not typically cause fever, so this instruction is not relevant.
C. Chew sugarless gum to moisten the mouth: Anticholinergic medications can cause dry mouth (xerostomia), and chewing gum can stimulate saliva production, alleviating this side effect.
D. Take an antacid to relieve nausea: Anticholinergic effects can include nausea, but taking an antacid is not a specific strategy for managing this side effect.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Do slow position changes to avoid falls from lowering blood pressure: This is not the priority teaching point for an anticholinergic medication. While some anticholinergics can cause orthostatic hypotension, the risk of urinary retention is a more significant concern.
B. If you feel short of breath, use a rescue inhaler: This instruction is unrelated to the use of anticholinergic medication and may be more relevant for patients with emphysema.
C. "If possible, try to avoid rooms that are cold.": Avoiding cold rooms is not directly related to the use of anticholinergic medication. The priority teaching point should address potential adverse effects specific to the medication.
D. "Make sure to seek care immediately if you're not able to urinate.": Anticholinergic medications can exacerbate urinary retention, particularly in older adults with benign prostatic hyperplasia. It's crucial for the patient to understand the importance of seeking medical attention if they experience difficulty urinating.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Dobutamine is a sympathomimetic drug used to increase cardiac output in conditions such as heart failure. It is not an antidote for cholinergic drug overdose.
B. Atropine sulfate is the antidote for cholinergic drug overdose. It acts as a competitive antagonist to acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, counteracting the effects of excessive cholinergic stimulation.
C. Atenolol is a beta-blocker used to manage hypertension and certain cardiac conditions. It is not an antidote for cholinergic drug overdose.
D. Bethanechol is a cholinergic agonist used to stimulate bladder contractions in urinary retention. It is not an antidote for cholinergic drug overdose; in fact, it would exacerbate cholinergic effects.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.