A patient who is taking amitriptyline (Elavil) reports constipation and dry mouth. The nurse will give the patient which instruction?
Stop taking the medication immediately.
Increase fluid intake.
Request another antidepressant.
Notify the provider.
The Correct Answer is B
A) Stop taking the medication immediately: Abruptly stopping amitriptyline without the guidance of a healthcare provider can cause withdrawal symptoms and other complications. Discontinuing this medication should only be done under medical supervision.
B) Increase fluid intake: Amitriptyline can cause anticholinergic side effects such as dry mouth and constipation. Increasing fluid intake helps manage dry mouth by stimulating salivation and helps alleviate constipation by promoting bowel regularity.
C) Request another antidepressant: While amitriptyline can cause side effects like dry mouth and constipation, switching medications should not be the first step. These side effects are often manageable with lifestyle modifications, such as increasing fluid and fiber intake, and adjustments to the treatment plan can be considered if the symptoms are severe or persistent.
D) Notify the provider: While it is important for the nurse to document and inform the provider about any significant side effects, this instruction alone does not provide immediate relief to the patient. It is more appropriate to first recommend increasing fluid intake, and then the nurse can discuss with the provider if the symptoms persist or worsen.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) The blood cells will migrate to the bone marrow:
While the bone marrow is responsible for producing red blood cells, dehydration and hypertonicity of the blood would not cause the red blood cells to migrate to the bone marrow. Migration of blood cells typically refers to white blood cells moving toward sites of infection or inflammation, not a response to dehydration.
B) The red cells will precipitate out of circulation:
Red blood cells do not precipitate out of circulation due to dehydration or hypertonic conditions. Instead, dehydration causes a shift in water balance that leads to changes in the shape and function of the red blood cells. Precipitation of cells is not a physiological response in this context.
C) They will swell and eventually rupture:
In conditions of hypertonicity, where the concentration of solutes (such as sodium) in the blood is higher than normal, red blood cells actually shrink, not swell. When blood is hypertonic, water moves out of the red blood cells into the extracellular space to balance the osmotic pressure, leading to cell shrinkage. Cells only swell in hypotonic conditions, when water moves into the cell.
D) The cells will shrink and shrivel, decreasing their oxygen-carrying ability:
When the body becomes dehydrated, the blood becomes hypertonic (more concentrated), leading to a shift of water out of the red blood cells to try to balance the osmotic gradient. As a result, the red blood cells shrink and shrivel. This shrinkage can impair their ability to carry oxygen effectively, as the cells may become more rigid and less flexible, making it difficult for them to navigate through small blood vessels and perform gas exchange in the lungs and tissues.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Beta 1: Beta-1 adrenergic receptors are primarily located in the heart and are responsible for increasing heart rate (chronotropy), the force of contraction (inotropy), and the conduction speed of electrical impulses within the heart (dromotropy). When a drug is given to increase heart rate and myocardial activity, it is stimulating the beta-1 receptors, which enhance the heart's performance..
B) Beta 2: Beta-2 receptors are predominantly found in smooth muscles, such as those
in the bronchi, blood vessels, and uterus. Stimulation of beta-2 receptors leads to relaxation of these muscles, including bronchodilation and vasodilation, which would not have a direct effect on increasing heart rate or myocardial activity.
C) Alpha 2: Alpha-2 receptors are primarily located in the central nervous system (CNS) and act to inhibit the release of norepinephrine, leading to a reduction in sympathetic nervous system activity. They have the opposite effect of what is desired in this case, as stimulation of alpha-2 receptors would actually lower heart rate and decrease myocardial activity, not increase it.
D) Alpha 1: Alpha-1 receptors are found in the smooth muscle of blood vessels and when stimulated, cause vasoconstriction, which increases blood pressure. While alpha-1 receptors do affect the cardiovascular system, they do not directly influence heart rate or myocardial contractility.
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