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 ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Providing a PRN NSAID for gum discomfort is not advisable in this situation. NSAIDs can increase the risk of bleeding, which is already a concern for a client on anticoagulants. Therefore, this action could exacerbate the client’s condition and should be avoided.
Choice B Reason:
Obtaining a soft bristle toothbrush for the client is a good practice to help minimize gum irritation and bleeding. Soft bristle toothbrushes are gentler on the gums and can help prevent further bleeding and discomfort, making this a suitable action for the nurse to implement.
Choice C Reason:
Reviewing the most recent coagulation lab values is crucial in this scenario. Coagulation tests, such as INR (International Normalized Ratio) or aPTT (activated partial thromboplastin time), can help determine if the anticoagulant dosage is appropriate or if adjustments are needed. This step is essential to ensure the client’s safety and effective management of their anticoagulation therapy.
Choice D Reason:
Completing a medication variance report is not immediately necessary unless there is evidence of a medication error. The priority should be to address the client’s symptoms and ensure their safety. While documentation is important, it should not take precedence over direct patient care in this situation.
Choice E Reason:
Reporting findings to the healthcare provider is essential. The development of bleeding and new bruises indicates a potential adverse reaction to the anticoagulant. The healthcare provider needs to be informed to assess the situation, possibly adjust the medication, and provide further instructions for managing the client’s condition.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Avoiding taking the medication on an empty stomach is important to reduce gastrointestinal upset. Lithium can cause stomach irritation, and taking it with food can help mitigate this side effect. However, while this is good advice, it is not the most critical instruction to emphasize.
Choice B Reason:
Reporting fluctuations in weight to the healthcare provider is essential because significant weight changes can indicate potential side effects or complications from lithium therapy. Weight gain or loss can be a sign of thyroid dysfunction or other metabolic issues. While important, it is not the primary instruction to emphasize.
Choice C Reason:
Maintaining a fluid intake of 1500 to 2000 mL per day is crucial for clients taking lithium. Lithium levels in the blood can be affected by fluid balance, and dehydration can lead to lithium toxicity. Ensuring adequate hydration helps maintain stable lithium levels and reduces the risk of toxicity. This is the most critical instruction to emphasize to ensure the client’s safety and effective management of their condition.
Choice D Reason:
Keeping medication fliers for frequent review and reference is helpful for understanding the medication and its potential side effects. However, it is not the most critical instruction. The primary focus should be on maintaining proper hydration to prevent lithium toxicity.
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