A patient who has been taking theophylline at home reports having ...

[kellyjaisingh]

A patient who has been taking theophylline at home reports having palpitations and jitteriness. What action will the nurse take?
 
  a. Ask the patient if herbal medications are used.
  b. Notify the provider to report theophylline toxicity.
  c. Recommend that the patient increase fluid intake.
  d. Request an order for renal function studies.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient who will begin taking theophylline at home. During the assessment, the nurse learns that the patient smokes. The nurse reports this to the provider and will expect the provider to
 
  a. decrease the dose of theophylline.
  b. increase the dose of theophylline.
  c. keep the theophylline dose as ordered.
  d. discontinue the theophylline.

[robbielu01]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Ephedra is a stimulant that potentiates theophylline and may increase side effects. Patients should be questioned about use of herbal medications. To determine toxicity, serum drug levels must be drawn; at this point, the patient reports symptoms of theophylline side effects. Increasing fluid intake will not alleviate symptoms. Renal function studies are not indicated.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Tobacco smoking increases the metabolism of theophylline, so the dose should be increased. Decreasing the dose will lead to subtherapeutic effects.

[kellyjaisingh]

TYSM

[mjenn52]

Excellent