What is an adverse effect of methimazole?
Renal failure
Agranulocytosis
Hypertension
Heart palpitations
The Correct Answer is B
A. Renal failure: Methimazole does not typically exert nephrotoxic effects. It is not known to impair glomerular filtration or tubular function, and renal failure is not associated with its primary pharmacologic pathway of inhibiting thyroid hormone synthesis.
B. Agranulocytosis: Methimazole can suppress bone marrow activity, leading to a dangerous drop in neutrophils. This severe adverse effect increases vulnerability to infections and may present with fever, sore throat, or malaise, requiring immediate discontinuation and medical evaluation.
C. Hypertension: Methimazole works to reduce excess thyroid hormones and does not directly elevate blood pressure. In fact, by lowering circulating thyroid hormone levels, it typically improves hyperthyroidism-related cardiovascular strain rather than worsening it.
D. Heart palpitations: Palpitations are usually a symptom of untreated hyperthyroidism rather than a direct adverse effect of methimazole. As methimazole reduces thyroid hormone levels, palpitations generally improve rather than being triggered by the medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "I will increase my dietary intake of iodine.": Methimazole works by inhibiting thyroid hormone synthesis, and increasing iodine intake may counteract its effects or worsen hyperthyroidism. Clients should avoid excessive iodine unless specifically directed by the provider.
B. "I will take my dose of medication with food.": Taking methimazole with food helps minimize gastrointestinal irritation, a common side effect. This demonstrates the client understands proper administration techniques to improve tolerance while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
C. "I will skip a dose if I experience palpitations.": Skipping doses without consulting the provider is unsafe, as inconsistent medication can worsen hyperthyroid symptoms and interfere with achieving a therapeutic effect. Palpitations should be reported, not treated by omission of the dose.
D. "My symptoms will improve within 24 hours.": Methimazole has a delayed onset of action; symptom improvement usually takes several weeks as thyroid hormone levels gradually decrease. Expecting immediate relief reflects a misunderstanding of the drug’s pharmacodynamics.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Hypoglycemia is a common side effect: Repaglinide is a meglitinide that stimulates rapid, short-acting insulin release from pancreatic beta cells, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia, especially if meals are skipped or delayed. Client education should emphasize recognizing early signs, carrying a source of glucose, and timing doses with meals to prevent severe hypoglycemia.
B. Bruising may occur when taking this medication: Bruising is not a typical side effect of repaglinide. Unlike anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents, repaglinide does not affect platelet function or clotting pathways, so clients do not need to monitor for unusual bruising as part of routine education.
C. Take this medication at night before bed: Repaglinide should be taken with meals, usually 0–30 minutes before eating, to match insulin secretion with postprandial glucose. Taking it at night without food increases the risk of hypoglycemia, particularly during prolonged fasting or sleep.
D. Stop taking if you experience hyperglycemia: Experiencing high blood glucose does not warrant abrupt discontinuation of repaglinide. Instead, the client should notify the healthcare provider for dose adjustment or evaluation of adherence, diet, or additional therapy while continuing the medication safely.
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.