The nurse is caring for a patient who is experiencing anaphylaxis.
The family asks the nurse why the patient is having difficulty breathing. The nurse responds based on what knowledge?
Bronchoconstriction in response to the allergen.
Compensation for a rapid fall in blood pressure.
Reflex tachycardia.
Seizures are likely to occur.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The patient experiencing anaphylaxis is having difficulty breathing due to bronchoconstriction in response to the allergen. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can cause bronchoconstriction, leading to difficulty in breathing. This is a direct response to the allergen, causing the airways to narrow and making it hard for the patient to breathe.
Choice B rationale
While a rapid fall in blood pressure, also known as hypotension, can occur during anaphylaxis, it does not directly cause difficulty in breathing. Hypotension in anaphylaxis is due to the release of histamines which cause vasodilation and increased capillary permeability, leading to fluid leakage from the capillaries into the tissues, reducing the volume of blood returning to the heart.
Choice C rationale
Reflex tachycardia is a compensatory response by the body to a decrease in blood pressure, not a direct cause of difficulty in breathing. It is the body’s attempt to maintain adequate perfusion by increasing the heart rate.
Choice D rationale
Seizures are not a typical symptom of anaphylaxis. While severe anaphylaxis can lead to a loss of consciousness, it does not cause seizures.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Guaifenesin (Mucinex) is an expectorant, which means it helps loosen mucus in your airways. This makes it easier for you to cough up phlegm. So, coughing up phlegm after taking Mucinex does not necessarily mean there is more pathology present.
Choice B rationale
Coughing up phlegm is not typically indicative of an allergic reaction to Mucinex. Allergic reactions would more likely involve symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
Choice C rationale
While any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to a healthcare provider, coughing up phlegm after taking Mucinex does not necessarily require further investigation. It is a normal response to the medication, which is designed to help clear mucus from the airways.
Choice D rationale
Guaifenesin (Mucinex) works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier. Therefore, coughing up phlegm is a normal response to the medication.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Antidepressants are a class of medications used to treat depression and other mood disorders, not primarily for their sedative and anti-seizure effects.
Choice B rationale
Anxiolytics are medications that inhibit anxiety. They are used to treat anxiety disorders and relieve short-term anxiety symptoms. While some anxiolytics do have sedative effects, they are not derived from barbituric acid.
Choice C rationale
Barbiturates are a class of drugs derived from barbituric acid that act as depressants to the central nervous system. These drugs are used as sedatives or anesthetics and have the potential to become addictive.
Choice D rationale
Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs used to treat a range of conditions, including anxiety and insomnia. They are known for their sedative and anxiolytic effects. However, they are not derived from barbituric acid.
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