A 27-year-old male patient is taking an anticholinergic drug as ...

[TFauchery]

A 27-year-old male patient is taking an anticholinergic drug as adjunctive therapy to treat his peptic ulcer disease. The patient comes to the clinic and tells the nurse that he feels his heart beating.
 
   What adverse effect is the patient experiencing from the anticholinergic medication? A) Tachypnea
  B) Tachycardia
  C) Hypotension
  D) Urinary frequency

Question 2

An order is written for a drug that is an adjunctive therapy for Parkinson's disease. The nurse reviews the order before administering the drug. What medication orders should the nurse question?
 
  A) Levodopa 0.5 to 1 g/d orally in 2 divided doses
  B) Amantadine (Symmetrel) 200 mg orally b.i.d.
  C) Tolcapone (Tasmar) 400 mg orally t.i.d.
  D) Selegiline (Carbex) 10 mg/d orally

[kaillie]

Answer to Question 1

B
Feedback:
Tachycardia and palpitations are possible adverse effects related to blocking of the parasympathetic effects on the heart; this would give the sensation of a heart beating. Tachypnea, hypotension, and urinary frequency are not generally adverse effects of anticholinergic medications and they would not be evident the way the patient described.

Answer to Question 2

C
Feedback:
The order for tolcapone should be questioned. The maximum dose is 600 mg daily. The order is a total of 1,200 mg a day (400 times 3 equals 1,200 mg). The other options are correct dosages.

[TFauchery]

Thank you!

[kaillie]

Always glad to help...