A patient is taking bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) to prevent diarrhea. The nurse performing an assessment notes that the patient's tongue is black. What will the nurse do?

a. Assess further for signs of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.
b. Reassure the patient that this is an expected side effect of this drug.
c. Request an order for liver function tests to evaluate for hepatotoxicity.
d. Withhold the drug, because this is a sign of bismuth overdose.


ANS: B
Bismuth subsalicylate can cause blackening of the tongue and stools, an expected side effect. This finding does not indicate GI bleeding, hepatotoxicity, or drug overdose.

Nursing

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A patient, brought to the clinic by his wife and son, is diagnosed with Huntington disease. When providing anticipatory guidance, the nurse should address the future possibility of what effect of Huntington disease?

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A nurse manager is a strong proponent of the concept of learning organizations as a means to promote professional practice through the encouragement of personal mastery and awareness of one's mental models. This concept was developed by:

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Nursing