A patient is prescribed metformin (Glucophage). Which side effect/adverse effect almost always occurs when clients take metformin (Glucophage)?
Fever.
Insomnia.
Bitter or metallic taste.
Seizures.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Fever is not a common side effect of metformin. While it's possible for a minority of patients to experience a mild fever as their bodies adjust to the medication, it's not considered a typical or expected adverse effect.
Fevers typically occur due to infections or inflammation, and metformin does not directly cause either of these processes.
If a patient taking metformin develops a fever, it's crucial to rule out other potential causes, such as infections or other medications, before attributing it to metformin.
Choice B rationale:
Insomnia is also not a common side effect of metformin. In fact, some studies have suggested that metformin may even have a positive effect on sleep quality in some individuals.
While sleep disturbances can occur with any medication, they are not specifically associated with metformin.
If a patient experiences insomnia while taking metformin, it's essential to consider other potential factors, such as stress, anxiety, or other medications, that could be contributing to sleep problems.
Choice C rationale:
Bitter or metallic taste is a very common side effect of metformin, experienced by approximately 30-40% of patients. This taste disturbance is thought to be caused by metformin's interaction with taste receptors on the tongue.
The taste is often described as metallic, bitter, or similar to the taste of pennies.
While it can be unpleasant, it's generally not considered a serious side effect and does not usually require discontinuation of the medication.
Some strategies to manage the metallic taste include: Taking metformin with meals or snacks to mask the taste.
Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on hard candy after taking the medication. Rinsing the mouth with water or mouthwash after taking the medication.
Switching to an extended-release formulation of metformin, which may have a less pronounced metallic taste.
Choice D rationale:
Seizures are a rare but serious side effect of metformin.
They are most likely to occur in patients with underlying kidney problems or those taking certain other medications that can interact with metformin.
If a patient taking metformin experiences a seizure, it's critical to seek immediate medical attention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Oxytocin is a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions. It is not a tocolytic, which is a medication that inhibits uterine contractions. In fact, oxytocin is often used to induce labor or to augment labor that is progressing slowly.
It acts on the myofibrils in the uterine muscle, causing them to contract more forcefully and frequently. This leads to cervical dilation and effacement, and ultimately to the birth of the baby.
Oxytocin is typically administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion. The dosage is carefully titrated to achieve the desired effect on the uterus.
It is important to note that oxytocin can have serious side effects, including uterine hyperstimulation, fetal distress, and postpartum hemorrhage. Therefore, it should only be used under the close supervision of a healthcare provider.
Choice B rationale:
Magnesium sulfate is a tocolytic that is often used to prevent preterm labor. It works by relaxing the smooth muscle of the uterus.
It is typically administered as an IV infusion. The dosage is carefully monitored to ensure that the magnesium level in the blood does not become too high.
Side effects of magnesium sulfate can include flushing, nausea, vomiting, and headache. In rare cases, it can also cause serious complications such as respiratory depression and cardiac arrest.
Choice C rationale:
Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that is sometimes used as a tocolytic. It works by relaxing the smooth muscle of the uterus and blood vessels.
It is typically administered as an oral tablet. Side effects of nifedipine can include headache, dizziness, flushing, and low blood pressure.
Choice D rationale:
Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is sometimes used as a tocolytic. It works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are substances that promote uterine contractions.
It is typically administered as an oral tablet or suppository. Side effects of indomethacin can include nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and diarrhea.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Placing the tablet under the patient's nose is not an effective method of administering aspirin. Aspirin is not absorbed through the nasal mucosa.
This action would not provide any therapeutic benefit to the patient with a suspected myocardial infarction. It could potentially lead to aspiration of the tablet if the patient sneezes or coughs.
Choice B rationale:
Enteric-coated aspirin tablets are designed to dissolve in the intestines, not in the stomach. This delays the absorption of aspirin and its antiplatelet effects.
In a patient with a suspected myocardial infarction, it is crucial to achieve rapid absorption of aspirin to inhibit platelet aggregation and prevent further clot formation.
Therefore, enteric-coated aspirin is not appropriate in this situation.
Choice C rationale:
Chewing the aspirin tablet would indeed speed up its absorption. However, it also increases the risk of gastric irritation and bleeding.
Aspirin can be irritating to the stomach lining, and chewing it can exacerbate this effect.
This is particularly concerning in a patient with a suspected myocardial infarction, who may already be at risk for gastrointestinal bleeding due to decreased blood flow to the stomach.
Choice D rationale:
Giving the aspirin tablet with a small sip of water is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation. This allows for timely absorption of the aspirin while minimizing the risk of gastric irritation.
The water helps to dissolve the tablet and transport it to the stomach, where it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. It also helps to lubricate the esophagus and reduce the risk of the tablet becoming lodged in the throat.
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