A patient is taking theophylline. The nurse will monitor for which adverse effects associated with the use of this medication?

Palpitations

Diarrhea

Drowsiness

Bradycardia

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Theophylline, a methylxanthine, causes palpitations by increasing cyclic AMP through phosphodiesterase inhibition, stimulating cardiac beta-1 receptors. This can lead to tachycardia or arrhythmias, especially at high levels. Monitoring heart rate is critical due to theophylline’s narrow therapeutic index and potential for cardiovascular toxicity.

Choice B reason: Diarrhea is not a primary adverse effect of theophylline. Gastrointestinal upset, like nausea or vomiting, may occur due to gastric irritation, but diarrhea is less common. Theophylline’s main toxicities involve the cardiovascular and nervous systems, making palpitations a more significant concern.

Choice C reason: Drowsiness is not associated with theophylline, which acts as a CNS stimulant, potentially causing nervousness or insomnia. Its phosphodiesterase inhibition increases cyclic AMP, enhancing alertness, not sedation. Drowsiness is more linked to antihistamines, making this incorrect for theophylline monitoring.

Choice D reason: Bradycardia is not a typical theophylline effect. Theophylline stimulates the heart via beta-1 receptor activation, causing tachycardia or palpitations. Bradycardia may occur with other drugs, like beta-blockers, but theophylline’s sympathomimetic effects make palpitations a more relevant adverse effect to monitor.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA), with effects lasting 4-6 hours, while salmeterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA), lasting up to 12 hours. This statement reverses their durations, making it incorrect, as albuterol is used for acute relief, not maintenance.

Choice B reason: Albuterol, a SABA, acts within minutes and lasts 4-6 hours, ideal for acute asthma relief. Salmeterol, a LABA, has a slower onset (20-30 minutes) and lasts 12 hours, used for maintenance. This pharmacodynamic difference in duration makes this the correct statement.

Choice C reason: Salmeterol’s effects last up to 12 hours, not 3-4 hours, and albuterol’s duration is 4-6 hours, not 12 hours. This statement inaccurately describes their pharmacodynamic profiles, as salmeterol is long-acting and albuterol is short-acting, making it incorrect.

Choice D reason: Albuterol’s rapid onset (within minutes) makes it ideal for acute asthma attacks, while salmeterol’s slow onset (20-30 minutes) makes it unsuitable for acute relief. This statement is incorrect, as albuterol, not salmeterol, is the first-line rescue medication for asthma exacerbations.

A. Drowsiness B. Constipation C. Abdominal cramps D. Decreased libido

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Drowsiness is a common side effect of first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine, which cross the blood-brain barrier and block central histamine H1 receptors. This causes sedation, impairing cognitive and motor functions, often making patients unable to tolerate the drug for daily activities requiring alertness.

Choice B reason: Constipation is an occasional side effect of antihistamines with anticholinergic properties, but it is less common than drowsiness. Anticholinergics reduce gastrointestinal motility, potentially causing constipation, but this is not the primary reason patients discontinue antihistamines, as sedation is more disruptive.

Choice C reason: Abdominal cramps are not a typical side effect of antihistamines. While some antihistamines may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to anticholinergic effects, cramps are not a primary concern. Drowsiness, linked to central histamine receptor blockade, is a far more common and bothersome adverse effect.

Choice D reason: Decreased libido is not a recognized side effect of antihistamines. Their primary effects involve histamine receptor blockade, causing sedation or anticholinergic symptoms like dry mouth. Libido changes are more associated with other drug classes, such as antidepressants, not antihistamines used for allergies.

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A patient is taking theophylline. The nurse will monitor for which adverse effects associated with the use of this medication?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which statement describes a pharmacodynamic difference between albuterol and salmeterol?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

During a routine checkup, a patient states that she is unable to take the prescribed antihistamine because of one of its most common adverse effects. The nurse suspects that which adverse effect has been bothering this patient?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is counseling a woman who will be starting rifampin. The patient is currently taking oral contraceptives. Which statement is true regarding rifampin therapy for this patient?

A patient is taking nystatin oral lozenges to treat an oral candidiasis infection resulting from inhaled corticosteroid therapy for asthma. Which instruction by the nurse is appropriate?

Which range is the targeted therapeutic adult dosage range of theophylline?

The prescriber has changed the patient’s medication regimen to include montelukast to treat asthma. The nurse will emphasize which point about this medication?

A patient has a urinary tract infection. The nurse knows which class of drugs is especially useful for such infections?

The nurse is reviewing the culture results of a patient with an infection, and notes that the culture indicates a gram-positive organism. Which generation of cephalosporin is most appropriate for this type of infection?

The nurse is providing teaching to a patient taking tetracycline. Which statement by the nurse is correct?

A 79-year-old patient is receiving levofloxacin as treatment for a complicated infection. The nurse will monitor for which adverse effect that is associated with this drug?