The nurse administers losartan 50 mg PO to a client. One hour after administration, the client calls the nurse and complains of tingling of the lips. The nurse notes that the client's lips are edematous and recognizes that the client is experiencing anaphylaxis and notifies the healthcare provider. The client requires supplemental oxygen and a fluid bolus. Which statement is true regarding this situation?
The client had an allergic reaction to losartan.
The client had an expected side effect of the medication.
The client should have a prescription change to enalapril.
The client should avoid taking the medication with food.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: The client had an allergic reaction to losartan, a drug that belongs to the class of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). ¹ Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, and face, as well as difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and shock. ² The client needs immediate medical attention and treatment with oxygen, fluids, and epinephrine. ³
Choice B reason: The client did not have an expected side effect of the medication. Losartan is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict and retain salt and water. ¹ Some common side effects of losartan include dizziness, headache, fatigue, cough, and nausea. ⁴ Anaphylaxis is not a common or expected side effect of losartan, but a rare and serious adverse reaction.
Choice C reason: The client should not have a prescription change to enalapril. Enalapril is another drug that lowers blood pressure and heart failure, but it belongs to the class of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ⁵ ACE inhibitors and ARBs have similar mechanisms of action and effects, but they differ in how they block the angiotensin system. However, both classes of drugs can cause allergic reactions and anaphylaxis in some people, especially those who have a history of allergy to either drug. The client should avoid both ACE inhibitors and ARBs and use another type of blood pressure medication.
Choice D reason: The client should not avoid taking the medication with food. Food does not affect the absorption or effectiveness of losartan. ⁴ The client can take the medication with or without food, as directed by the provider. However, the client should avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they can interact with losartan and increase the risk of side effects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Respiratory alkalosis is not the correct answer. Respiratory alkalosis is a condition where the blood pH is high (above 7.45) due to low carbon dioxide levels (below 35 mmHg) caused by hyperventilation. The client's blood pH is low (7.2) and the carbon dioxide level is normal (40 mmHg), which does not indicate respiratory alkalosis.
Choice B reason: Metabolic alkalosis is not the correct answer. Metabolic alkalosis is a condition where the blood pH is high (above 7.45) due to high bicarbonate levels (above 26 mEq/L) caused by excessive loss of acids or intake of alkali. The client's blood pH is low (7.2) and the bicarbonate level is low (19 mEq/L), which does not indicate metabolic alkalosis.
Choice C reason: Respiratory acidosis is not the correct answer. Respiratory acidosis is a condition where the blood pH is low (below 7.35) due to high carbon dioxide levels (above 45 mmHg) caused by hypoventilation. The client's blood pH is low (7.2) but the carbon dioxide level is normal (40 mmHg), which does not indicate respiratory acidosis.
Choice D reason: This is the correct answer. Metabolic acidosis is a condition where the blood pH is low (below 7.35) due to low bicarbonate levels (below 22 mEq/L) caused by excessive production or intake of acids or loss of alkali. The client's blood pH is low (7.2) and the bicarbonate level is low (19 mEq/L), which indicates metabolic acidosis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Having a urinary output of greater than 30 mL per hour for 24 hours is not the most appropriate outcome for the problem of impaired tissue perfusion. This outcome is more relevant for the problem of fluid volume excess or renal impairment, which are not the case for this client.
Choice B reason: Discussing which lifestyle modifications will be necessary to maintain health is not the most appropriate outcome for the problem of impaired tissue perfusion. This outcome is more relevant for the problem of knowledge deficit or risk for recurrence, which are not the priority for this client.
Choice C reason: Expressing no complaints of chest discomfort or shortness of breath is the most appropriate outcome for the problem of impaired tissue perfusion. This outcome indicates that the client's cardiac output and oxygen delivery are adequate and that the interventions are effective.
Choice D reason: Having clear breath sounds bilaterally upon auscultation is not the most appropriate outcome for the problem of impaired tissue perfusion. This outcome is more relevant for the problem of impaired gas exchange or pulmonary congestion, which are not the case for this client.
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