A nurse is providing teaching about nifedipine for a client who is at 34 weeks of gestation and has gestational hypertension.
For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse instruct the client to notify the provider?
Irregular heartbeat.
Hair loss.
Increased salivation.
Pause.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Irregular heartbeat (palpitations or arrhythmias) can indicate a serious cardiovascular side effect of nifedipine. It requires immediate medical attention as it could compromise
maternal and fetal circulation.
Choice B rationale
Hair loss is not a known adverse effect of nifedipine and generally does not pose a significant health risk. It is more commonly associated with hormonal changes rather than
medication side effects.
Choice C rationale
Increased salivation is not a common side effect of nifedipine. Nifedipine primarily affects the cardiovascular system rather than salivary glands.
Choice D rationale
Pause is not a recognized adverse effect related to nifedipine usage. The term itself is ambiguous and not typically associated with the pharmacological profile of nifedipine.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
During labor, the body experiences physiological stress, which typically causes an increase, not a decrease, in white blood cell (WBC) count. This increase is a normal response to stress.
Choice B rationale
Blood glucose levels can decrease during labor due to the energy expenditure and physiological demands of the process. This is why it is important to monitor glucose levels and provide necessary interventions if hypoglycemia occurs.
Choice C rationale
The respiratory rate generally increases during labor to meet the increased oxygen demands of the body. A decrease in respiratory rate is not expected during this time.
Choice D rationale
Body temperature may increase slightly during labor due to the physical exertion and metabolic activity involved. A decrease in temperature is not a typical finding during labor.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Preparing for a cesarean birth is not an immediate necessity unless there are complications that warrant such intervention. Cesarean births are typically reserved for situations where
vaginal delivery poses a risk to the mother or the baby.
Choice B rationale
Administering IV antibiotic prophylaxis is critical in preventing potential infections during the labor process, especially given the early gestation period. This helps in safeguarding both
the mother and the fetus from infections like group B streptococcus.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining a vaginal culture is generally done to check for infections such as bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections. However, it is not an immediate priority when the
patient is already in active labor.
Choice D rationale
Administering metronidazole orally is used to treat bacterial infections but is not an immediate action required in this scenario. Metronidazole may not be the most suitable choice
during labor as it does not provide immediate infection prevention.