Author Question: The patient is quadriplegic and receives oxybutynin (Ditropan), an anticholinergic drug, to increase ... (Read 31 times)

daltonest1984 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The patient is quadriplegic and receives oxybutynin (Ditropan), an anticholinergic drug, to increase his bladder capacity. What is an important assessment of this patient by the nurse?

1. Is he irritable?
2. Is he constipated?
3. Is he gaining weight?
4. Is he lethargic?

Question 2

The physician has ordered bethanechol (Urecholine), a cholinergic drug, for the patient with urinary retention. The patient also has an enlarged prostate gland. What is the priority action by the nurse?

1. Hold the drug and prepare to catheterize the patient.
2. Administer the drug and measure urinary output.
3. Administer the drug and push fluids.
4. Hold the drug and contact the physician.

shewald78 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale: Anticholinergics slow gastrointestinal (GI) motility and can increase the risk for constipation. Anticholinergic drugs do not cause lethargy. Anticholinergic drugs do not cause weight gain. Anticholinergic drugs do not cause irritability.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale: Bethanechol (Urecholine) relaxes the urinary sphincter and increases voiding pressure. It is contraindicated with any physical obstruction of the urinary tract, such as an enlarged prostate gland. Measuring urinary output is inappropriate; the patient should not receive the drug. There should be no need for catheterization as long as the drug is not given. The drug should not be given; pushing fluids would exacerbate the problem.