A patient begins taking an ACE inhibitor and complains of a dry cough. What does the nurse correctly tell the patient about this symptom?
It indicates that a serious side effect has occurred
It occurs frequently in patients taking the drug but will subside over time
It is a common side effect that occurs in all patients taking the drug
It is an uncomfortable side effect experienced by some patients and will require your medication be changed
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Dry cough is a common, not serious, side effect of ACE inhibitors due to bradykinin accumulation. While bothersome, it’s not life-threatening like angioedema. It often necessitates switching to an ARB, but calling it serious overstates the risk, making this choice incorrect.
Choice B reason: Dry cough occurs in 5-20% of ACE inhibitor users but doesn’t typically subside with continued use, as bradykinin accumulation persists. Patients often require a medication change (e.g., to ARBs), making the claim that it will subside over time inaccurate and incorrect.
Choice C reason: Dry cough is common but not universal in ACE inhibitor users, affecting 5-20% of patients due to variable bradykinin sensitivity. Stating it occurs in all patients is inaccurate, as many tolerate ACE inhibitors without cough, making this choice incorrect.
Choice D reason: Dry cough, caused by bradykinin buildup, affects some ACE inhibitor users and is uncomfortable, often requiring a switch to an ARB, which doesn’t affect bradykinin. This accurately reflects the side effect’s impact and management, making it the correct choice for the nurse’s response.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hyperthyroidism involves elevated T3 and T4 with low TSH due to excessive thyroid hormone production. The patient’s low T3/T4 and high TSH indicate reduced thyroid activity, not overactivity, as the pituitary increases TSH to stimulate the underactive thyroid, making this choice incorrect.
Choice B reason: Hypothyroidism is characterized by low T3 and T4 levels due to underactive thyroid function, prompting the pituitary to secrete more TSH to stimulate hormone production. This matches the patient’s lab results (low T3/T4, high TSH), often seen in primary hypothyroidism, making this the correct choice.
Choice C reason: Thyroid cancer may alter thyroid function but typically doesn’t present with consistently low T3/T4 and high TSH. It’s more likely to cause nodules or abnormal growths, not this specific hormonal pattern, which aligns with hypothyroidism, making this choice less likely.
Choice D reason: Pituitary adenoma causing secondary hypothyroidism would lower TSH, T3, and T4 due to impaired pituitary function. High TSH with low T3/T4 suggests primary thyroid failure, not pituitary dysfunction, making this choice incorrect for the patient’s hormonal profile.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Meperidine, an opioid, crosses the placenta, risking neonatal respiratory depression. Monitoring breathing is critical post-delivery, making this the correct observation for the infant.
Choice B reason: Hypothyroidism is not associated with meperidine exposure. Opioids primarily affect respiration, so this is irrelevant and incorrect for the expected effect.
Choice C reason: Tremors and hyperreflexia are not typical meperidine effects in newborns; respiratory depression is the primary concern. This is incorrect for the nurse’s focus.
Choice D reason: Congenital anomalies result from chronic exposure, not acute labor analgesia. Meperidine’s immediate risk is respiratory, so this is incorrect for monitoring.
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