A client reports feeling lightheaded and dizzy with palpitations after being instructed to increase the dose of a prescribed beta-adrenergic antagonist. How should the nurse respond to this client's symptoms?

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. "This is first-dose phenomenon."
2. "If the dose is increased again, take the medication at bedtime."
3. "This will go away in time."
4. "Maybe you have another health problem that needs to be examined."
5. "You may have taken too much medication."


Correct Answer: 1,2
Rationale 1: First-dose phenomenon is the onset of orthostatic hypotension when beginning or changing the dose of a beta-adrenergic antagonist.
Rationale 2: Taking the medication at bedtime will reduce the onset of first-dose phenomenon.
Rationale 3: Although this reaction may dissipate in time, this statement does not explain the cause of the client's symptoms.
Rationale 4: The client is experiencing first-dose phenomenon because of the increase in the dosage.
Rationale 5: The client was taking the prescribed increased dose of the medication.
Global Rationale: First-dose phenomenon is the onset of orthostatic hypotension when beginning or changing the dose of a beta-adrenergic antagonist. Taking the medication at bedtime will reduce the onset of first-dose phenomenon. Although this reaction may dissipate in time, this statement does not explain the cause of the client's symptoms. The symptoms the client is experiencing are consistent with the first-dose phenomenon of the prescribed medication dose.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

Genetic testing has revealed that woman of European origin lacks CYP2D6 activity. This fact is likely to have an influence on which aspect of pharmacokinetics?

A) Excretion B) Distribution C) Metabolism D) Absorption

Nursing

The osteoporosis patient asks the nurse to explain what a bisphosphonate medication does. The nurse will respond,

A) "This medication helps prevent bone resorption, which will help prevent fractures." B) "These drugs increase your phosphorus levels and thereby help with your calcium levels as well." C) "This medication stimulates your parathyroid gland to increase osteoclastic activity." D) "This medication plays an important role in bone remodeling."

Nursing

A 44-year-old female client shares with the nurse that she is having difficulty falling asleep at night, even though she is exhausted. The nurse knows that which of the following reasons could be causing the sleeplessness?

a. Two cups of hot coffee every evening b. Vegetarian diet c. Afternoon exercise program d. Hot bath in the evening

Nursing

A diabetic patient complains of frequent corns and asks for information about managing the condition. What is the nurse's best response?

1. "Make sure you select shoes that fit correctly.". 2. "You can use corn pads to gradually remove the growths.". 3. "Corns are best treated by shaving them off.". 4. "Apply a generous amount of emollient lotion on and between the toes twice daily.".

Nursing