A client has been prescribed an antiarrhythmic. Which of the following points should the nurse include in the client teaching plan?
- A. Decrease the dose if adverse effects occur.
- B. Chew the tablets well before swallowing.
- C. Take frequent sips of water or chew gum.
- D. Take the drug only on an empty stomach.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should instruct the client to take frequent sips of water or chew gum to avoid dryness of the mouth. The nurse should instruct the client not to stop the medication or change the dose and schedule without consulting the health care provider. The tablets should not be chewed or crushed. They should be swallowed whole. Taking the drug on an empty stomach may cause gastric upset. The drug should be taken with food.
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A nurse is caring for a client who is prescribed mexiletine for the treatment of a cardiac arrhythmia. Which adverse reaction would lead the nurse to identify a nursing diagnosis of Risk for Infection?
- A. Lightheadedness
- B. Dry mouth
- C. Agranulocytosis
- D. Nausea
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A nursing diagnosis of Risk for Infection related to the adverse reaction of the drug may be made in the case of agranulocytosis. Lightheadedness would lead to a nursing diagnosis of Risk for Injury related to the adverse effect of the drug. Dry mouth leads to a nursing diagnosis of Impaired Oral Mucous Membranes related to the adverse effect of the drug. Nausea does not indicate the implementation of the nursing diagnosis of Risk for Infection.
When describing arrhythmias to a group of nursing students, the instructor explains that arrhythmias may be triggered by which of the following? Select all that apply.
- A. Emotional stress
- B. Heart disease
- C. Electrolyte imbalance
- D. Diabetes
- E. Hypoxia
Correct Answer: A,B,C,E
Rationale: Arrhythmias may occur as a result of heart disease, a disorder that affects cardiovascular function, emotional stress, hypoxia, and electrolyte imbalances. Diabetes is not a direct trigger for arrhythmias but may contribute indirectly through cardiovascular complications.
A nurse would administer disopyramide cautiously to a client with which condition? Select all that apply.
- A. Myasthenia gravis
- B. Diabetes
- C. Glaucoma
- D. Urinary retention
- E. Hypothyroidism
Correct Answer: A,C,D
Rationale: Disopyramide is used cautiously in clients with myasthenia gravis, urinary retention, or glaucoma and in men with prostate enlargement. Diabetes and hypothyroidism are not specifically contraindicated but require monitoring.
Which of the following should be included in the nurse's ongoing assessment of a client receiving flecainide (Tambocor)? Select all that apply.
- A. Response to therapy
- B. Signs of heart failure
- C. Development of new cardiac arrhythmias
- D. Worsening of arrhythmia being treated
- E. Monitoring of serum flecainide levels
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D,E
Rationale: The nurse should closely monitor the client for a response to drug therapy, signs of heart failure, the development of new arrhythmias, worsening of the arrhythmia being treated, and serum flecainide levels.
Before administering any antiarrhythmic, the nurse would assess which of the following? Select all that apply.
- A. Skin color
- B. Blood glucose
- C. Input and output
- D. Orientation
- E. Level of consciousness
Correct Answer: A,D,E
Rationale: The preadministration assessment of the client's general condition should include observations such as skin color, orientation, level of consciousness, and the client's general status. Blood glucose and input/output are not directly relevant unless specified.
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