The nurse administers a medication to the patient.
Which symptoms indicate that the patient is having an allergic reaction rather than a side effect?
Alopecia and diaphoresis
Heartburn and flatulence
Nausea and constipation
Itchy rash and difficulty breathing
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Alopecia (hair loss) and diaphoresis (excessive sweating) can be side effects of certain medications, but they are not typically associated with allergic reactions.
Alopecia is often a delayed side effect of medications, meaning it can take weeks or months to develop after starting a medication. It is usually caused by the medication interfering with the normal hair growth cycle.
Diaphoresis can be a side effect of medications that affect the nervous system, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. It can also be a side effect of medications that cause fever, such as antibiotics.
Choice B rationale:
Heartburn and flatulence are common side effects of many medications, especially those that affect the digestive system.
Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest that is caused by stomach acid refluxing back up into the esophagus. It is often triggered by eating certain foods, lying down after eating, or taking certain medications.
Flatulence is the release of gas from the intestines. It is often caused by eating foods that are difficult to digest, such as beans and cabbage. It can also be a side effect of medications that slow down the digestive system.
Choice C rationale:
Nausea and constipation are also common side effects of many medications.
Nausea is a feeling of sickness or unease in the stomach that can lead to vomiting. It is often caused by medications that irritate the stomach lining or that stimulate the vomiting center in the brain.
Constipation is a condition in which bowel movements are infrequent or difficult to pass. It is often caused by medications that slow down the movement of food through the intestines.
Choice D rationale:
Itchy rash and difficulty breathing are classic symptoms of an allergic reaction.
An allergic reaction occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to a substance that it perceives as a threat. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including itchy rash, difficulty breathing, swelling, hives, and anaphylaxis.
Itchy rash is a common symptom of allergic reactions to medications. It is often caused by the release of histamine, a chemical that is involved in the body's inflammatory response.
Difficulty breathing is a serious symptom of an allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. It is often caused by swelling of the airways, which can restrict airflow.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Loosening the tape gently by pressing the skin away from it is an important step in changing a burn dressing. However, it is not the first intervention that should be performed. This is because removing the tape can be painful, and it is important to ensure that the patient is adequately pain-free before proceeding.
Choice B rationale:
Observing the wound bed for the presence of granulation tissue is also an important part of burn care. Granulation tissue is a sign of healing, and its presence indicates that the wound is progressing as expected. However, this assessment is not the first priority when changing a dressing. Pain management should always be addressed first.
Choice D rationale:
Gently irrigating the wound using sterile normal saline is another important step in burn care. Irrigation helps to cleanse the wound and remove any debris or dead tissue. However, it should not be performed until the patient's pain has been adequately controlled.
Choice C rationale:
Administering pain medication 30 minutes beforehand is the most important first intervention when changing a painful burn dressing. This allows time for the medication to take effect and ensure that the patient is comfortable before the dressing change begins. Pain management is crucial in burn care, as it can help to reduce anxiety, promote healing, and improve patient outcomes.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A patient's last bowel movement being 4 days ago does not directly increase their risk of pulmonary embolism (PE). While constipation can be a risk factor for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to PE, it is not a significant risk factor on its own.
It's important to assess for other risk factors for DVT, such as immobility, recent surgery, or a history of blood clots, in conjunction with constipation.
Choice C rationale:
A platelet count of 45,000/mm^3 is low (thrombocytopenia), but it does not directly increase the risk of PE.
In fact, a low platelet count can sometimes hinder clot formation. However, it's important to monitor patients with thrombocytopenia for bleeding risks, as they may be more prone to bleeding complications.
Choice D rationale:
While receiving a transfusion of two units of packed red blood cells can increase blood viscosity, which could theoretically slightly increase the risk of PE, it is not a major risk factor.
Patients who receive transfusions are often already at an elevated risk of PE due to other underlying conditions or surgeries. It's essential to assess for other risk factors in these patients.
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