The nurse is caring for a patient taking diltiazem for blood pressure management. The nurse instructs the patient to report which side effect to the provider?

Dry skin

Burning sensation

Diarrhea

Irregular heart rate

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Dry skin:
Dry skin is not a commonly reported side effect of diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker used for blood pressure management. While dry skin can occur due to various reasons, it is less likely to be directly associated with diltiazem use. Therefore, it is not the side effect that the nurse should prioritize instructing the patient to report to the provider.

B. Burning sensation:
Although burning sensation is not a common side effect of diltiazem, it can occasionally occur as a skin reaction or hypersensitivity reaction to the medication. While this symptom may warrant attention, it is generally less concerning compared to other potential side effects of diltiazem. Therefore, while it is important for the patient to report any unusual sensations or discomfort, burning sensation alone may not be the most critical side effect to report.

C. Diarrhea:
Diarrhea is a potential side effect of diltiazem use. Calcium channel blockers like diltiazem can affect gastrointestinal motility and lead to gastrointestinal disturbances, including diarrhea. While diarrhea can be bothersome and may indicate intolerance to the medication, it is generally considered a common side effect rather than a severe adverse reaction. Therefore, while the nurse should educate the patient about the possibility of diarrhea and encourage reporting any persistent or severe cases, it may not be the most critical side effect to report to the provider.

D. Irregular heart rate:
Irregular heart rate, including bradycardia or tachycardia, is a significant and potentially serious side effect of diltiazem. As a calcium channel blocker, diltiazem can affect cardiac conduction, leading to alterations in heart rate and rhythm. Irregular heart rate can indicate a significant cardiovascular complication and may require prompt medical attention. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize instructing the patient to report any changes in heart rate, including palpitations, rapid heartbeat, or irregular pulse, to the provider immediately.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Oral candidiasis and nausea: Oral candidiasis (thrush) and nausea are common manifestations in patients with AIDS, particularly when the CD4 count is low. While these symptoms require intervention, they are not typically considered emergent or immediately life-threatening.

B. Genital ulcer and vomiting: Genital ulcers and vomiting can occur in patients with AIDS due to various opportunistic infections and conditions. While these symptoms may warrant intervention, they are not typically indicative of an immediate life-threatening situation.

C. Memory deficit and apathy: Memory deficits and apathy can occur in patients with AIDS, particularly as the disease progresses. While these cognitive and behavioral changes may impact the patient's quality of life and require intervention, they are not typically considered emergent or immediately life-threatening.

D. Progressive dyspnea and fever: Progressive dyspnea (difficulty breathing) and fever are concerning findings in a patient with AIDS, especially with a CD4 count less than 200. These symptoms may indicate the presence of opportunistic infections such as Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), which can rapidly progress and lead to respiratory failure and death if not promptly treated. Therefore, these assessment findings require immediate intervention to assess for and manage potential respiratory compromise and systemic infection.

A. Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). B. Placing patient in positive pressure isolation room C. Placing patient in contact precautions D. Wearing gloves at all times.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE): Standard precautions include the use of PPE such as gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection when caring for all patients, regardless of their known or suspected infectious status. This helps prevent the transmission of pathogens between the patient and the healthcare provider.

B. Placing patient in positive pressure isolation room: Placing a patient in a positive pressure isolation room is not a component of standard precautions. Positive pressure rooms are typically used for patients with compromised immune systems to protect them from exposure to airborne pathogens. Standard precautions should be followed regardless of the patient's room type.

C. Placing patient in contact precautions: Contact precautions involve specific measures to prevent the transmission of pathogens through direct or indirect contact with the patient or their environment. While contact precautions may be necessary for certain infectious diseases, they are not a component of standard precautions.

D. Wearing gloves at all times: While wearing gloves is part of standard precautions, it is not the only key element. Standard precautions also include other forms of PPE such as masks, gowns, and eye protection, as well as other infection control practices such as hand hygiene and environmental cleaning.

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The nurse is caring for a patient taking diltiazem for blood pressure management. The nurse instructs the patient to report which side effect to the provider?

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