The nurse and a home health patient have established this ...

[TFauchery]

The nurse and a home health patient have established this expected outcome: The patient will be free from adverse effects of administration of diltiazem (Cardizem). Which finding indicates this outcome has not been met?
 
  1. The patient complains of headache at each visit by the nurse.
  2. The patient has 3+ edema in the ankles and feet.
  3. The patient says, Everything I eat tastes like metal.
  4. The patient says, I got so dizzy yesterday that I had to lie down for a while.
  5. The patient's face is flushed.

Question 2

A patient is prescribed an additional once-daily antidysrhythmic drug to control persistent atrial fibrillation. What instructions should the nurse provide for this patient?
 
  1. Take your first dose of this new medication before you go to bed tonight.
  2. Do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours after taking the new medication.
  3. Before you get out of bed in the morning, sit up on the side of the bed for a few minutes.
  4. Plan to return to the clinic to have your electrolytes checked in 2 weeks.
  5. Contact the clinic if you notice any loss of hair from your head.

[LP]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,4
Rationale 1: Headache is a potential adverse effect of diltiazem.
Rationale 2: Edema of the ankles and feet is a potential adverse effect of diltiazem.
Rationale 3: Metallic taste is not an expected adverse effect of diltiazem.
Rationale 4: Dizziness is an expected adverse effect of diltiazem.
Rationale 5: Facial flushing is not an expected adverse effect of diltiazem.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1,3,4
Rationale 1: The addition of a second medication makes the patient prone to hypotension. Taking the drug right before bedtime is a safety precaution.
Rationale 2: There is no reason to avoid oral intake for 2 hours after an antidysrhythmic medication.
Rationale 3: Orthostatic hypotension can be an adverse effect of antidysrhythmic medications, particularly when multiple drugs are taken. Sitting on the side of the bed before arising is a safety precaution.
Rationale 4: Electrolyte imbalance can occur secondary to drug therapy for dysrhythmia. Electrolyte levels should be monitored.
Rationale 5: Hair loss is not an expected adverse effect of antidysrhythmic medications.

[TFauchery]

Thanks

[LP]

Welcome