A female client starts a new prescription, oxybutynin, for symptoms of an overactive bladder. The client tells the nurse that she is training to run in a half-marathon. Which instruction should the nurse emphasize?
Keep skin and eyes covered to protect from sun injury.
Avoid crowds to help prevent acquiring infections.
Wear padding to protect from bruising if a fall occurs.
Take measures to avoid dehydration and overheating.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
While keeping skin and eyes covered to protect from sun injury is generally good advice, it is not specifically related to the use of oxybutynin. Oxybutynin can reduce sweating, which increases the risk of overheating and dehydration, especially during physical activities like running a half-marathon. Therefore, this advice, while useful, is not the most critical in this context.
Choice B Reason:
Avoiding crowds to help prevent acquiring infections is important for overall health, especially for individuals with compromised immune systems. However, this advice is not directly related to the use of oxybutynin or the specific risks associated with its use during physical exercise. The primary concern with oxybutynin is its effect on sweating and body temperature regulation.
Choice C Reason:
Wearing padding to protect from bruising if a fall occurs is a precaution that might be relevant for individuals at risk of falls or injuries. However, this advice does not address the specific risks associated with oxybutynin use during physical exercise. The main concern is the potential for overheating and dehydration due to reduced sweating.
Choice D Reason:
Taking measures to avoid dehydration and overheating is the most critical instruction for a client using oxybutynin while training for a half-marathon. Oxybutynin can decrease sweating, making it harder for the body to cool down during exercise. This can lead to heat stroke or severe dehydration. The nurse should emphasize the importance of staying hydrated, taking breaks, and avoiding excessive heat to prevent these serious complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Taking sucralfate on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before meals is crucial for its effectiveness. Sucralfate works by forming a protective barrier over ulcers, and food can interfere with this process. Therefore, it is recommended to take sucralfate on an empty stomach to ensure maximum efficacy.
Choice B reason:
Administering an additional dose if a dose is missed is incorrect. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule should be resumed. Doubling up on doses can lead to potential side effects and complications.
Choice C reason:
Scheduling doses with each meal and at bedtime is not appropriate for sucralfate. This medication should be taken on an empty stomach, not with meals. Taking it with food can reduce its effectiveness in treating peptic ulcers.
Choice D reason:
Continuing with the normal dose schedule after missing a dose is partially correct but lacks the specific instruction to skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next one. The correct approach is to take the missed dose as soon as possible unless it is close to the next scheduled dose.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E","H"]
Explanation
Choice A: Myoclonus
Myoclonus refers to sudden, involuntary muscle jerks. In the context of this patient’s presentation, myoclonus is significant because it can be a symptom of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur with the use of serotonergic medications like paroxetine. Serotonin syndrome is characterized by a triad of cognitive, autonomic, and somatic effects, including altered mental status, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular abnormalities such as myoclonus. Therefore, the presence of myoclonus in this patient warrants immediate follow-up to rule out serotonin syndrome and initiate appropriate treatment if necessary.
Choice B: Temperature 102°F (38.8°C)
A temperature of 102°F (38.8°C) is indicative of a fever, which is an abnormal finding that requires follow-up. Fever can be a sign of infection or other inflammatory processes. In the context of this patient’s symptoms, including altered mental status and myoclonus, a high fever could also be a sign of serotonin syndrome. Normal body temperature ranges from 97.8°F to 99.1°F (36.5°C to 37.3°C). A temperature above this range is concerning and requires further investigation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate intervention.
Choice C: Blood Pressure 168/94 mm Hg
The patient’s blood pressure of 168/94 mm Hg is significantly elevated. Normal blood pressure for adults is typically around 120/80 mm Hg. Hypertension can be a sign of autonomic instability, which is another component of serotonin syndrome. Elevated blood pressure can also increase the risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke or heart attack. Therefore, this finding requires follow-up to manage the patient’s blood pressure and address any underlying causes.
Choice D: Altered Mental Status
Altered mental status is a broad term that encompasses changes in cognitive function, including confusion, disorientation, and altered levels of consciousness. This patient’s altered mental status, combined with other symptoms such as fever and myoclonus, raises concern for serotonin syndrome. Altered mental status can also be caused by other conditions such as infections, metabolic disturbances, or neurological disorders. Immediate follow-up is necessary to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Choice E: Heart Rate 118 beats/minute
A heart rate of 118 beats per minute is considered tachycardia, which is an abnormally fast heart rate. The normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Tachycardia can be a sign of autonomic instability, which is seen in conditions like serotonin syndrome. It can also be caused by fever, dehydration, or other underlying conditions. Follow-up is required to assess the cause of the tachycardia and manage it appropriately.
Choice F: Respirations 16 breaths/minute
A respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute is within the normal range for adults, which is typically 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Therefore, this finding does not require immediate follow-up. However, it is important to continue monitoring the patient’s respiratory status, especially given the other concerning symptoms.
Choice G: Capillary Refill
Capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds is considered normal. This indicates that the patient’s peripheral perfusion is adequate. Therefore, this finding does not require follow-up. However, it is important to continue monitoring for any changes in perfusion status.
Choice H: Diaphoresis
Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, is another symptom that requires follow-up. It can be a sign of autonomic instability and is commonly seen in serotonin syndrome. Diaphoresis can also be associated with other conditions such as infections, hyperthyroidism, or anxiety. Given the patient’s other symptoms, it is important to investigate the cause of the diaphoresis and address it as part of the overall management plan.
Choice I: Lung Sounds
Lung sounds are noted to be clear, which is a normal finding. This indicates that there are no immediate respiratory issues such as pneumonia or pulmonary edema. Therefore, this finding does not require follow-up. However, it is important to continue monitoring the patient’s respiratory status, especially given the other concerning symptoms.
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