A patient is taking bismuth subsalicylate to prevent diarrhea. The nurse performing an assessment notes that the patient's tongue is black. What will the nurse do?

Request an order for liver function tests to evaluate for hepatotoxicity.

Withhold the drug, because this is a sign of bismuth overdose.

Assess further for signs of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.

Reassure the patient that this is an expected side effect of this drug.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Request an order for liver function tests to evaluate for hepatotoxicity: Bismuth subsalicylate is not associated with hepatotoxicity, and a black tongue is not indicative of liver dysfunction. There is no need for liver enzyme testing based solely on tongue discoloration.

B. Withhold the drug, because this is a sign of bismuth overdose: A black tongue is not a sign of overdose but rather a known harmless side effect due to the interaction of bismuth with sulfur in the saliva. Discontinuation is not warranted.

C. Assess further for signs of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding: Although bismuth can cause dark stools, which may resemble melena, a black tongue specifically is not an indication of GI bleeding. Unless there are other signs, further assessment is unnecessary here.

D. Reassure the patient that this is an expected side effect of this drug: Bismuth subsalicylate often causes temporary blackening of the tongue or stool due to its chemical composition. This effect is benign and reversible, and reassurance is the appropriate nursing response.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. "When taking this medication, only female clients may have increased growth of breast tissue.” Gynecomastia (breast tissue growth) can occur in male clients taking finasteride due to hormonal changes, particularly reduced conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone.

B. "Prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels will increase while taking this medication.” Finasteride typically lowers PSA levels by about 50%, which can mask early signs of prostate cancer. This is why baseline and follow-up PSA levels must be interpreted with this medication’s effect in mind.

C. "Avoid drinking coffee when taking this medication.” There is no direct interaction between coffee (or caffeine) and finasteride. While caffeine might irritate the bladder, it is not contraindicated with finasteride and is not a routine teaching point.

D. "Expect to see a response from the medication within 6 months to 1 year." Finasteride takes several months to reduce prostate size and alleviate urinary symptoms. Most clients begin to notice improvement between 6 to 12 months of continuous use.

A. Phenazopyridine alleviates pain and burning during urination. B. Phenazopyridine decreases urinary frequency to control an overactive bladder C. Phenazopyridine is used to treat bacterial urinary tract infections (UTI) D. Phenazopyridine stimulates a hypotonic bladder to increase urine output.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Phenazopyridine alleviates pain and burning during urination: Phenazopyridine is a urinary analgesic that provides symptomatic relief from irritation caused by infections or urinary tract procedures. It specifically helps reduce burning, urgency, and discomfort during urination.

B. Phenazopyridine decreases urinary frequency to control an overactive bladder: This drug does not affect bladder muscle activity or control urinary frequency. Medications like oxybutynin or tolterodine are more appropriate for overactive bladder management.

C. Phenazopyridine is used to treat bacterial urinary tract infections (UTI): Phenazopyridine is not an antibiotic and does not eliminate the bacteria causing UTIs. It only relieves symptoms while antibiotic therapy treats the underlying infection.

D. Phenazopyridine stimulates a hypotonic bladder to increase urine output: It has no diuretic or bladder-stimulating effects. Phenazopyridine's role is strictly analgesic within the urinary tract and does not influence bladder tone or urine production.

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A patient is taking bismuth subsalicylate to prevent diarrhea. The nurse performing an assessment notes that the patient's tongue is black. What will the nurse do?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is teaching a client who has benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) with a new prescription for finasteride. Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with a bladder infection and is prescribed phenazopyridine. When the client asks why am I taking this prescription"? How should the nurse respond?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client has an order for loperamide as needed (PRN). For which condition would the nurse administer this medication?

A patient is taking bismuth subsalicylate to prevent diarrhea. The nurse performing an assessment notes that the patient's tongue is black. What will the nurse do?

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Which physical change would the nurse tell the female patient (transitioning from female to male) beginning testosterone therapy to anticipate? Select all that apply.

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