Which assessment is most important for the nurse to measure or perform before administering the first dose of amitriptyline (Elavil) to a patient?
a. Heart rate and rhythm
b. Core body temperature
c. Level of consciousness
d. Blood pressure in the sitting position
A
Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that can cause unstable ventricular dysrhythmias. Therefore heart rate and rhythm are most important to assess to establish a baseline and deter-mine possible adverse effects of this drug. Although the drug can also lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness, changes in heart rhythm can be life threatening.
You might also like to view...
Mr. P, a 70-year-old retired engineer, has diabetes and is on dialysis. He is a gourmet who takes pride in cooking delicious meals. His physical condition is quite good, but he is unhappy and bored with the restricted life he must lead
An old friend has invited him to travel across the country to San Francisco and spend a week there. Dialysis treatments can be arranged through a network of dialysis providers. How should Mr. P's charge nurse respond to this situation? A) Discourage the idea, as he is likely to eat and drink too much on vacation B) Discourage the idea, but provide as much helpful information as possible C) Encourage him to go, and provide as much helpful information as possible D) Encourage him to go, and advise him to relax regarding his condition for a week
Which statement by the nurse shows understanding of the Rand Health Insurance Experiment?
a. "When consumers were required to pay 25% co-payment, there was a considerable decline in the use of health care services.". b. "There was an increase in the use of health care services when consumers were required to make a co-payment.". c. "If the health care cost is being paid by insurance companies, the consumer is not concerned about the cost.". d. "The implementation of the Oregon Health Policy for reimbursement of the cost of health care services led to the Rand Health Insurance Experiment.".
A high school teen tells the school nurse that she wants to become pregnant. The most appropriate nursing action is to
a. Ignore the comment b. Tell the teen that she should not engage in sexual activity or get pregnant c. Call the teen's parents d. Provide preconceptual counseling and emphasize the need to achieve good health
After an assessment, a couple planning marriage decides to schedule an appointment for genetic counseling in several months. Which information from the assessment would support this couple's decision? (Select all that apply.)
A) The male and female are second cousins. B) The male has a friend who has hemophilia. C) The female has a foster brother with sickle-cell anemia. D) The male and female are both of Mediterranean descent. E) The female's sister gave birth to a baby with Down syndrome.