A patient who has been prescribed dicyclomine hydrochloride asks the nurse about possible side effects. Which of the following side effects should the nurse mention as common with this medication?
Increased sweating
Frequent urination
Weight gain
Dry mouth
The Correct Answer is D
A. Increased sweating: Dicyclomine is an anticholinergic agent, which typically reduces sweating rather than increases it. In fact, patients may be at risk for heat-related illness due to decreased ability to sweat effectively in hot environments.
B. Frequent urination: Anticholinergic drugs like dicyclomine generally cause urinary retention, not frequency. Clients may actually report difficulty initiating urination or decreased urinary output while on this medication.
C. Weight gain: Weight gain is not a common side effect of dicyclomine. It is not associated with metabolic changes or appetite stimulation significant enough to cause noticeable weight increase in most patients.
D. Dry mouth: Dry mouth is a frequent and expected anticholinergic side effect of dicyclomine. It results from the medication’s inhibition of salivary gland secretion, and patients should be advised to sip water or use sugar-free candy to manage it.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "It directly stimulates prostaglandin E1 receptors to help protect the stomach” Prostaglandin analogs like misoprostol work by stimulating prostaglandin receptors. Bismuth’s action is more antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, not receptor-based.
B. "It decreases flow of fluids into bowel, reduces inflammation, and may kill the organism causing diarrhea.” Bismuth subsalicylate has multiple effects: it reduces intestinal secretions, has anti-inflammatory properties due to its salicylate component, and possesses antimicrobial activity, especially against H. pylori and other diarrheal pathogens.
C. "It coats the stomach and aids in the healing of the stomach lining.” While bismuth does provide a mild protective effect, it is not primarily a mucosal-coating agent. Sucralfate is more effective for mucosal coating and ulcer protection than bismuth subsalicylate.
D. "It inhibits the proton pump in the stomach which generates gastric acid.” This describes the mechanism of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole. Bismuth subsalicylate does not block acid production at the cellular level.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Increasing energy levels: Melatonin is not a stimulant and does not directly increase daytime energy. Its role is primarily to help regulate the circadian rhythm, which may indirectly improve daytime alertness through better sleep, but it is not taken to boost energy.
B. Enhancing cognitive function: While good sleep can support cognitive function, melatonin itself does not directly enhance cognition. It is not classified as a nootropic, and its main action is tied to promoting the initiation of sleep, not mental performance.
C. Reducing anxiety levels: Melatonin may have mild calming effects in some individuals, but it is not primarily used as an anxiolytic. Medications like benzodiazepines or SSRIs are more commonly prescribed for anxiety. Melatonin’s primary benefit lies in sleep regulation.
D. Improving sleep quality: Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Supplementation is commonly used to treat insomnia, jet lag, or circadian rhythm disorders. It promotes better sleep onset and may improve sleep quality in some individuals.
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