A patient is given a drug for the first time and develops shortness of breath. The patient’s heart rate is 76 beats per minute, the respiratory rate is 20 breaths per minute, and the blood pressure is 120/70 mm Hg. The nurse checks a drug administration manual to make sure the correct dose was given and learns that some patients taking the drug experience shortness of breath. The nurse will contact the provider to report what?
An idiosyncratic effect
A teratogenic effect
A side effect
This symptom is not related to the medication administration.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
An idiosyncratic effect is an unusual or unexpected reaction to a drug that is not related to the dose and is not a common side effect. These reactions are often due to genetic differences in metabolism or immune response. In this case, shortness of breath is a known reaction for some patients taking the drug, so it is not considered idiosyncratic.
Choice B Reason:
A teratogenic effect refers to a drug’s potential to cause developmental abnormalities in a fetus when taken by a pregnant woman. Since the patient is experiencing shortness of breath, which is a known reaction to the drug, this choice is not relevant to the situation.
Choice C Reason:
This is the correct answer. A side effect is a secondary, typically undesirable effect of a drug or medical treatment. Since the nurse found that shortness of breath is a known reaction for some patients taking the drug, it is classified as a side effect. The nurse should report this to the provider to ensure proper management and monitoring.
Choice D Reason:
The symptom of shortness of breath is related to the medication administration, as confirmed by the drug administration manual. Therefore, this choice is incorrect. The nurse must report the side effect to the provider for appropriate action.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Chronic stress can significantly impact mental health, leading to conditions such as depression. The persistent activation of the stress response system, particularly the release of cortisol, can alter brain function and structure, contributing to mood disorders. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to stress hormones can lead to changes in the brain that are associated with depression.
Choice B Reason:
Impaired cognitive function is another consequence of chronic stress. Elevated levels of cortisol over an extended period can damage the hippocampus, a region of the brain involved in memory and learning. This can result in difficulties with concentration, memory, and decision-making. Chronic stress has been linked to cognitive decline and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Choice C Reason:
Chronic stress can also affect the immune system, leading to autoimmune diseases. The continuous activation of the stress response can cause immune dysregulation, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. This can result in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune disorders.
Choice D Reason:
Overactive immune function is not typically associated with chronic stress. Instead, chronic stress often leads to a weakened immune response, making the body more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice E Reason:
Cardiovascular disease is a well-documented consequence of chronic stress. The persistent release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol can lead to increased blood pressure, heart rate, and the formation of artery-clogging deposits. These changes can increase the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Calcium
Calcium plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including muscle contraction, blood clotting, and nerve transmission. While calcium is essential for maintaining overall health, it is not directly associated with changes in blood pH. Calcium levels are tightly regulated by hormones such as parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin, but these do not significantly influence blood pH.
Choice B: Sodium
Sodium is a major extracellular electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. Although sodium is vital for maintaining osmotic balance and blood pressure, it does not directly affect blood pH. Sodium levels are primarily controlled by the kidneys and hormones like aldosterone, which do not have a direct impact on the acid-base balance of the blood.
Choice C: Magnesium
Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, and blood glucose control. While magnesium is important for overall health, it does not have a direct role in altering blood pH. Magnesium levels are regulated by the kidneys and are essential for maintaining normal muscle and nerve function, but they do not directly influence the acid-base balance.
Choice D: Potassium
Potassium is a key intracellular electrolyte that plays a significant role in maintaining the acid-base balance of the blood. Changes in potassium levels can affect the pH of the blood. For example, hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) can lead to acidosis, while hypokalemia (low potassium levels) can lead to alkalosis. Potassium helps regulate the hydrogen ion concentration in the blood, which directly impacts the pH. Therefore, potassium is the electrolyte most closely associated with changes in blood pH.
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