A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) reports having insomnia and a racing heart after starting terbutaline therapy. Which explanation by the nurse is most accurate?
a. "The symptoms are typical and indicate that the medication is at a therapeutic level."
b. "The symptoms will tend to resolve with continued therapy."
c. "The symptoms are unusual and need to be reported to the health care provider immediately."
d. "The symptoms are indicative of toxicity."
ANS: B
Terbutaline, an adrenergic agent effective for bronchodilation, can cause excessive central nervous system (CNS) stimulation. Adverse effects such as palpitations, tachycardia, flushed skin, dizziness, and tremors tend to be mild and resolve with continued therapy. The therapeutic level can only be determined by analyzing a blood sample. These are common symptoms and should only be reported if they persist. Symptoms of toxicity are chest pain, persistent palpitations, and tachycardia.
You might also like to view...
Which of the following patients is most likely to benefit from the administration of epoetin alfa?
A) A toddler who has just been diagnosed with hemophilia A B) A 44-year-old man who suffered a workplace accident resulting in musculoskeletal trauma and massive blood loss C) An 80-year-old woman who experienced an ischemic stroke that was attributable to atrial fibrillation D) A 66-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes who is experiencing the effects of diabetic nephropathy
A client has taken 24 acetaminophen (Tylenol) tablets at once in a suicide attempt. Which medication would most likely be administered to reverse the effects of Tylenol?
1. Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) 2. Flumazenil (Romazicon) 3. Atropine (Protopam) 4. Naloxone (Narcan)
The client diagnosed with leukemia has CNS involvement. Which instruction should the nurse teach?
1. Sleep with the HOB elevated to prevent increased intracranial pressure 2. Take an analgesic medication for pain only when the pain becomes severe 3. Explain radiation therapy to the head may result in permanent hair loss 4. Discuss end of life decisions prior to cognitive deterioration
A nurse is working in a community health care facility located in a neighborhood that is predominantly a Native American/First Nations population. What gastrointestinal alteration is more predominant in this population?