The nurse is assessing a patient who was recently switched to amlodipine. Which assessment finding indicates that the patient is experiencing side effects of the drug? Select All That Apply
Pedal edema
Muscle cramps
Dizziness
Sexual dysfunction
Bradycardia
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D
A. Pedal edema: Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, can cause peripheral edema as a side effect due to its vasodilatory effects on arterioles. This can manifest as swelling, particularly in the feet and ankles.
B. Muscle cramps: Muscle cramps are a known side effect of amlodipine. While the mechanism is not fully understood, calcium channel blockers like amlodipine can disrupt calcium ion flux in muscle cells, potentially leading to muscle cramping.
C. Dizziness: Dizziness is a common side effect of amlodipine, particularly during the initial period of treatment or when dosage adjustments are made. It is believed to be related to its vasodilatory effects and subsequent lowering of blood pressure.
D. Sexual dysfunction: Sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction, has been reported as a side effect of amlodipine in some patients. The exact mechanism is not well understood but may be related to alterations in blood flow or neurohormonal effects.
E. Bradycardia: Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not a typical side effect of amlodipine. Amlodipine primarily acts as a vasodilator and does not typically affect heart rate. In fact, it may cause reflex tachycardia (increased heart rate) in some individuals as a compensatory response to its vasodilatory effects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Urinary retention: While urinary retention can occur in conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or neurogenic bladder, it is not a typical manifestation of hypertensive emergency. Hypertensive emergencies primarily involve acute and severe elevations in blood pressure, which can lead to target organ damage, but urinary retention is not a direct consequence.
B. Headache: Headache is a common symptom associated with hypertension, especially during hypertensive emergencies. However, it is not specific to hypertensive emergencies and can occur in less severe cases of hypertension as well.
C. Jaundice: Jaundice is not a typical manifestation of hypertensive emergency. It is more commonly associated with liver dysfunction or hemolytic disorders rather than acute elevations in blood pressure.
D. Tachycardia: Tachycardia, or an elevated heart rate, is a hallmark sign of hypertensive emergency. When blood pressure rises significantly, the heart may respond by increasing its rate to maintain cardiac output. Tachycardia is indicative of the body's compensatory mechanisms in response to the acute hypertension and can be a sign of impending cardiovascular complications.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Drink purified water: While drinking purified water is important for preventing various waterborne diseases, it is not a preventive measure specifically targeted at hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission. HBV is primarily transmitted through exposure to infected blood or body fluids, such as during unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from mother to child during childbirth. Drinking purified water does not protect against these modes of HBV transmission.
B. Avoid crowded, enclosed spaces: Avoiding crowded, enclosed spaces may reduce the risk of respiratory infections, but it does not specifically prevent HBV transmission. HBV is not transmitted through the air like respiratory viruses. Instead, it is spread through direct contact with infected blood or body fluids. While avoiding crowded spaces may be a general infection control measure, it is not a targeted preventive measure for HBV.
C. Complete the vaccination series: This is the correct preventive measure for HBV. The hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective in preventing HBV infection. It is administered as a series of shots, typically given in three doses over a period of several months. Completing the vaccination series provides long-term immunity against HBV infection and is recommended for all individuals, including travelers to regions where HBV is common. Vaccination not only protects the individual but also contributes to reducing the overall prevalence of HBV in the community.
D. Avoid sharing utensils: While avoiding sharing utensils can reduce the risk of transmitting certain infections, such as colds or flu, it is not specifically aimed at preventing HBV transmission. HBV is primarily transmitted through activities involving exposure to infected blood or body fluids, rather than through sharing utensils. While practicing good hygiene and avoiding behaviors that may result in exposure to blood or body fluids are important preventive measures for HBV, completing the vaccination series is the most effective way to prevent infection.
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