When a patient is taking an anticholinergic such as benztropine as part of the treatment for Parkinson's disease, the nurse should include which information in the teaching plan?
Minimize the amount of fluid taken while on this drug.
Discontinue the medication if adverse effects occur.
Take the medication on an empty stomach to enhance absorption.
Use artificial saliva, sugarless gum, or hard candy to counteract dry mouth.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Minimize the amount of fluid taken while on this drug: Increasing fluid intake is actually recommended to manage potential constipation, another common side effect of anticholinergic medications.
B. Discontinue the medication if adverse effects occur: Discontinuing medication without consulting a healthcare provider is not advisable. Patients should be educated to report any adverse effects to their healthcare provider for appropriate management.
C. Take the medication on an empty stomach to enhance absorption: Benztropine is typically taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Taking it on an empty stomach may increase the risk of nausea or stomach upset.
D. Use artificial saliva, sugarless gum, or hard candy to counteract dry mouth: Anticholinergic medications such as benztropine commonly cause dry mouth as a side effect. Stimulating saliva production with these measures can help alleviate dry mouth symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Do slow position changes to avoid falls from lowering blood pressure: This is not the priority teaching point for an anticholinergic medication. While some anticholinergics can cause orthostatic hypotension, the risk of urinary retention is a more significant concern.
B. If you feel short of breath, use a rescue inhaler: This instruction is unrelated to the use of anticholinergic medication and may be more relevant for patients with emphysema.
C. "If possible, try to avoid rooms that are cold.": Avoiding cold rooms is not directly related to the use of anticholinergic medication. The priority teaching point should address potential adverse effects specific to the medication.
D. "Make sure to seek care immediately if you're not able to urinate.": Anticholinergic medications can exacerbate urinary retention, particularly in older adults with benign prostatic hyperplasia. It's crucial for the patient to understand the importance of seeking medical attention if they experience difficulty urinating.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Tachycardia is not typically associated with cholinergic drug effects. Cholinergic stimulation tends to slow down the heart rate rather than increase it.
B. Palpitations may occur with certain cardiac arrhythmias or in response to sympathetic stimulation, but they are not typically associated with cholinergic drug effects.
C. Cholinergic drugs are more likely to cause vasodilation rather than vasoconstriction.
Therefore, vasoconstriction is not a common cardiovascular effect of cholinergic drug therapy.
D. Bradycardia is a common cardiovascular effect of cholinergic drug therapy. Cholinergic stimulation slows down the heart rate by increasing parasympathetic activity, particularly at the
sinoatrial (SA) node. Therefore, bradycardia is the cardiovascular effect that nurses should monitor for when administering cholinergic drugs.
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