Author Question: An older adult man who takes verapamil (Calan) reports that his breasts have enlarged. What is the ... (Read 21 times)

nelaaney · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

An older adult man who takes verapamil (Calan) reports that his breasts have enlarged. What is the nurse's best action?

a. Ask the patient whether he has had any difficulty getting or maintaining an erec-tion.
b. Document the response and reassure the patient that this is a common side effect.
c. Instruct the patient to use an elastic wrap to bind his breasts during the day.
d. Hold the drug dose and notify the prescriber.

Question 2

What is the best way for the nurse to make sure that the right patient is receiving a prescribed drug when the patient is alert and oriented?

a. Ask the patient to state his or her name.
b. Check the patient's wrist band.
c. Look at the patient's chart.
d. Have the patient state his or her name and birth date.

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

Answer to Question 1

B
Breast enlargement is a common side effect of verapamil in men. The cause of the enlargement is not completely known, but it does not represent cancer or any health problem. Unless the patient is very distressed by the presence of the breast enlargement, it is not necessary to stop the drug.

Answer to Question 2

D
To make sure that the right patient receives any drug that has been prescribed, The Joint Com-mission (TJC) recommends checking two unique patient identifiers (name and birth date) before medication administration. An alert and oriented patient can be asked directly.