The nurse in the cardiac catheterization laboratory administers an intravenous bolus of bivalirudin (Angiomax) just prior to the start of coronary angioplasty. For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor the patient?
a. Back and pelvic pain
b. Fever and sore throat
c. Headache and lethargy
d. Diarrhea and tachycardia
ANS: A
Back pain is one of the most common side effects of bivalirudin (incidence of 42%). Pelvic pain also is a common side effect.
Fever is a relatively common side effect (incidence >5%), but sore throat is not a side effect. The incidence of headache as a side effect is about 12%.
Lethargy is not a side effect.
Diarrhea is not a side effect; however, the patient may experience the gastrointestinal side effects of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Bradycardia rather than tachycardia is a side effect, although tachycardia may be seen in response to the side effect of hypotension.
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