A nurse is teaching a patient who will begin taking verapamil [Calan] for hypertension about the drug's side effects. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?
a. "I may become constipated, so I should increase fluids and fiber."
b. "I may experience a rapid heart rate as a result of taking this drug."
c. "I may have swelling of my hands and feet, but this will subside."
d. "I may need to increase my digoxin dose while taking this drug."
A
Constipation is common with verapamil and can be minimized by increasing dietary fiber and fluids. Verapamil lowers the heart rate. Peripheral edema may occur secondary to vasodilation, and patients should notify their prescriber if this occurs, because the prescriber may use diuretics to treat the condition. Verapamil and digoxin have similar cardiac effects; also, verapamil may increase plasma levels of digoxin by as much as 60%, so digoxin doses may need to be reduced.
You might also like to view...
The nurse knows that which of the following treatment plans listed below is most likely to be prescribed after a computed tomography (CT) scan of the head reveals a new-onset aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage?
A) Stat administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) B) Administration of a diuretic such as mannitol to reduce cerebral edema and ICP C) Monitoring in the ICU for signs and symptoms of cerebral insult D) Craniotomy and clipping of the affected vessel
A 32-year-old patient receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer is prescribed aprepitant (Emend). What should the nurse emphasize when teaching the patient about this medication?
Select all that apply. 1. Take this medication for 10 days. 2. Take the medication either with food or on an empty stomach. 3. Use a barrier contraceptive while taking this medication. 4. A skin rash is an expected effect of this medication. 5. Contact the healthcare provider about any onset of confusion.
The goal of a critical appraisal should be to
a. determine where faults exist in the study design. b. evaluate whether a proposed study is feasible. c. identify the meaning and credibility of the study. d. review the credentials and expertise of the researcher.
Which leadership approach has a central purpose to help followers confront their personal values and adjust these when needed in order for change to occur?
a. Transformational b. Servant c. Authentic d. Adaptive