The nurse is providing instruction about ipratropium (Atrovent) to a patient with COPD. Which is a common adverse effect that tends to resolve with therapy?
Dry mouth
Anxiety
Tachycardia
Urine retention
The Correct Answer is A
A. Dry mouth
Dry mouth is a common adverse effect of ipratropium (Atrovent) due to its anticholinergic properties. Anticholinergic medications can inhibit saliva production, leading to a sensation of dryness in the mouth. While uncomfortable, dry mouth tends to improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication. Patients can manage dry mouth by increasing fluid intake and practicing good oral hygiene.
B. Anxiety
Anxiety is not a common adverse effect of ipratropium (Atrovent). While some individuals may experience anxiety as a side effect of certain medications, it is not typically associated with ipratropium. If a patient experiences anxiety while taking ipratropium, it is essential to assess whether it may be related to other factors or medications and to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate management.
C. Tachycardia
Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) is not a common adverse effect of ipratropium (Atrovent). While ipratropium is an anticholinergic medication that can affect heart rate in some individuals, tachycardia is not typically reported as a common side effect. However, patients should be monitored for changes in heart rate and other cardiovascular effects while taking ipratropium, especially if they have pre-existing cardiac conditions.
D. Urine retention
Urinary retention is a potential adverse effect of ipratropium (Atrovent) due to its anticholinergic properties. Anticholinergic medications can relax the smooth muscle of the bladder, leading to difficulty emptying the bladder completely. However, urinary retention is less common with ipratropium compared to other anticholinergic medications, such as those used to treat overactive bladder. Patients experiencing urinary retention while taking ipratropium should consult their healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Assess the patient; check to see if the oxygen is flowing correctly:
This option involves assessing the patient's condition promptly, particularly focusing on the adequacy of oxygenation. Checking the oxygen delivery system ensures that the patient is receiving the prescribed oxygen therapy at the appropriate flow rate. In a patient with shortness of breath (SOB) and increasing confusion and combativeness, hypoxemia (low oxygen levels) could be a contributing factor. Therefore, assessing the oxygen delivery system is crucial to ensure proper oxygenation and address potential causes of the patient's symptoms.
B. Page the MD STAT:
Paging the MD STAT may be necessary after assessing the patient's condition, especially if the patient's symptoms indicate a medical emergency or require immediate intervention. However, in this scenario, the priority is to assess the patient's condition and address any immediate concerns related to oxygenation and respiratory status. While paging the healthcare provider may be necessary, it should not delay the initial assessment and interventions needed to stabilize the patient.
C. Put up the patient's side rails and apply soft restraints:
Applying side rails and soft restraints should not be the first action in response to the patient's symptoms. While patient safety is important, these measures should only be implemented after other interventions have been attempted, and there is a risk of harm to the patient or others due to agitation or combativeness. In this case, the patient's confusion and combativeness may be secondary to hypoxemia, so addressing oxygenation and assessing the patient's condition are the immediate priorities.
D. Administer an IM sedative:
Administering a sedative should not be the first action in this scenario. Sedation may be considered if the patient's agitation or combativeness poses a risk to their safety or interferes with assessment and treatment. However, the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms, such as hypoxemia, should be addressed first. Administering a sedative without addressing the potential cause of the patient's symptoms could mask important clinical indicators and delay appropriate treatment.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Saving the sputum specimen in a clean container.
While it is important to collect the sputum specimen in a clean, sterile container, simply saving the specimen in a clean container is not sufficient. The nurse needs to actively collect the sputum specimen from the client using proper technique to ensure that it is not contaminated and is suitable for laboratory analysis.
B. Collecting the sputum specimen after a meal.
Collecting a sputum specimen after a meal is not recommended, as it can increase the likelihood of contamination with food particles. It's preferable to collect the specimen before meals or at least 1-2 hours after eating to minimize the risk of contamination and ensure the integrity of the specimen.
C. Rinse the client's mouth before collecting the specimen.
When obtaining a sputum specimen from a client, it's important for the nurse to plan to rinse the client's mouth before collecting the specimen. Rinsing the mouth with water helps to clear any food particles or debris from the oral cavity, ensuring that the sputum sample collected is not contaminated with saliva or food particles. This improves the quality and accuracy of the specimen for laboratory analysis.
D. Obtaining the specimen from the client in the evening.
The timing of specimen collection is not necessarily restricted to the evening. The timing may vary depending on the client's condition and the healthcare provider's orders. It's important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions regarding the timing of specimen collection, which may be based on factors such as the client's symptoms and the diagnostic requirements.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
