The RN is aware that a long-term side effect of amiodarone is:
Stevens-Johnsons Syndrome.
Ventricular Tachycardia.
Pulmonary fibrosis.
QT Prolongation.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare, serious skin condition that is typically caused by an allergic reaction to medication. While amiodarone has been associated with a few cases of SJS, it is not considered a common long-term side effect.
Choice B rationale:
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a type of fast heart rhythm that originates in the ventricles of the heart. Amiodarone is actually used to treat VT, so it would be counterintuitive to list it as a long-term side effect.
Choice C rationale:
Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition characterized by scarring of the lung tissue. While amiodarone can cause pulmonary toxicity, which includes pulmonary fibrosis, this is a relatively rare side effect. Moreover, it's usually associated with high doses or
long-term use of the medication.
Choice D rationale:
QT prolongation is a condition in which the heart's electrical activity takes longer than normal to recharge between beats. This can lead to a potentially fatal arrhythmia called torsades de pointes. Amiodarone is known to prolong the QT interval, and this is considered one of its most significant long-term side effects. It's important to monitor patients on amiodarone for QT prolongation and to adjust the dose or discontinue the medication if necessary.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Glipizide does not directly enhance glucose transport into the muscles. This action is primarily mediated by insulin, which increases the expression of glucose transporter proteins (GLUT4) on muscle cell membranes, facilitating glucose uptake.
While glipizide can indirectly improve glucose transport into muscles by increasing insulin levels, it's not the primary mechanism of action.
Choice B rationale:
Glipizide does not directly facilitate glucose utilization by body cells. This process also largely depends on insulin, which activates intracellular pathways that promote glucose metabolism and energy production.
Although glipizide can indirectly enhance glucose utilization by increasing insulin availability, it's not the main mechanism responsible for its glucose-lowering effects.
Choice C rationale:
Glipizide does not boost glucose levels. In fact, it has the opposite effect, lowering blood glucose levels by stimulating insulin secretion.
Elevating glucose levels would be counterproductive in diabetes management, as the goal is to maintain blood glucose within a healthy range.
Choice D rationale (correct answer):
Glipizide belongs to a class of medications called sulfonylureas, which act primarily by stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells.
Insulin is a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels. It promotes glucose uptake by various tissues, including muscles, liver, and adipose tissue, and it inhibits glucose production by the liver.
By triggering insulin release, glipizide effectively lowers blood glucose levels. This helps to prevent the long-term complications of diabetes, such as damage to blood vessels, nerves, and organs.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale for Choice A:
It is not recommended to always consume levothyroxine with food. In fact, food can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine, leading to decreased efficacy of the medication.
Consuming levothyroxine with food can decrease its absorption by up to 30%, which can significantly impact its ability to manage hypothyroidism symptoms.
Certain foods, such as those high in fiber, calcium, or iron, can be particularly problematic, as they can bind to levothyroxine in the gut and further reduce its absorption.
While taking levothyroxine with a small amount of food may be necessary for some individuals who experience gastrointestinal side effects, it's generally recommended to take it on an empty stomach for optimal absorption.
Rationale for Choice B:
Milk is not an ideal beverage to take with levothyroxine, as it can also interfere with absorption. Milk contains calcium, which can bind to levothyroxine and reduce its absorption.
It's best to avoid consuming milk or other calcium-rich beverages within a few hours of taking levothyroxine.
Rationale for Choice C:
Similar to milk, juice and crackers are not ideal choices to take with levothyroxine.
Juice, especially those high in acidity, can affect the absorption of levothyroxine in the gut.
Crackers, often made with refined grains, can be high in fiber, which can also interfere with absorption.
Rationale for Choice D:
Taking levothyroxine on an empty stomach, typically 30-60 minutes before breakfast, is generally recommended to ensure optimal absorption.
This allows the medication to be absorbed more efficiently in the small intestine without being affected by the presence of food.
By taking levothyroxine on an empty stomach, patients can maximize its effectiveness in treating hypothyroidism.
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