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Which symptom reported by a client indicates that the practical nurse (PN) should notify the healthcare provider before giving a scheduled dose of propranolol?

A.

Headache.

B.

Difficulty sleeping.

C.

Palpitations.

D.

Nausea.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale

Headaches are a common side effect of many medications and do not necessarily indicate a serious problem. However, if the headache is severe or persistent, it should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Choice B rationale

Difficulty sleeping is not typically associated with propranolol. While it can occur, it is not a common side effect and is not usually a cause for concern.

Choice C rationale

Palpitations, or a feeling of a fast, fluttering, or pounding heart, can be a sign of an irregular heartbeat, which can be a serious side effect of propranolol. This is because propranolol is a beta-blocker, a type of drug that can slow heart rate and reduce the force of heart contractions. Therefore, if a patient reports palpitations, the healthcare provider should be notified before the next dose of propranolol is given.

Choice D rationale

Nausea is a common side effect of many medications, including propranolol. However, it is usually mild and temporary. If the nausea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, the healthcare provider should be notified.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Heart rate is an important vital sign to monitor in patients, but it is not the primary outcome
data to prioritize when administering a 20% mannitol intravenous (IV) solution. Mannitol is a diuretic that works by increasing the amount of urine produced. Therefore, while heart rate can be affected by fluid balance changes, it is not the most directly relevant outcome to monitor in this context.
Choice B rationale
Ankle circumference could be an indicator of peripheral edema, which might suggest fluid
overload or poor kidney function. However, in the context of mannitol administration, which is a diuretic and would be expected to decrease fluid overload, ankle circumference is not the primary outcome to monitor.
Choice C rationale
Urinary output is the correct answer. Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that increases urine
production. It is used to reduce intracranial and intraocular pressure by drawing water out of tissues and into the bloodstream, from where it can be excreted by the kidneys. Therefore, urinary output is the most direct measure of its effectiveness and is the key outcome that should be monitored.
Choice D rationale
Dietary intake is always important to monitor in patients, especially those receiving IV
therapy, as it can impact electrolyte balance and overall health status. However, it is not the primary outcome to monitor when administering mannitol.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is D. Antidepressant medication can take 2 to 4 weeks to become effective. Choice A rationale While it’s important to review the medication regimen if a patient is not responding to treatment, it’s also crucial to understand that antidepressants like amitriptyline don’t typically show their full effects immediately. It’s common for these medications to take several weeks before their full therapeutic effect becomes apparent. Choice B rationale A dosage increase may be considered if the patient shows no improvement after a sufficient period, typically several weeks. However, since the patient has only been on the medication for five days, it’s too early to consider a dosage increase. Choice C rationale Therapy can indeed be beneficial in treating depression and can enhance the effect of medication. However, the statement that the medication isn’t working after five days is likely due to the fact that antidepressants usually take longer to start showing effects. Choice D rationale This is the correct answer. Antidepressants like amitriptyline often take 2 to 4 weeks to start showing their full effects. It’s important for patients to know this so they don’t get discouraged and stop taking the medication too soon.

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