A patient taking magnesium citrate as an osmotic laxative reports abdominal cramping and diarrhea. What should the nurse recommend?
Increase fluid intake
Continue the medication; these are expected side effects
Discontinue the medication and consult a healthcare provider
Switch to a different type of laxative
The Correct Answer is B
A. Increasing fluid intake may not alleviate the cramping and diarrhea, which are common side effects of magnesium citrate.
B. Abdominal cramping and diarrhea are expected side effects of magnesium citrate, and the patient can continue the medication unless symptoms become severe.
C. Discontinuing the medication should not be recommended unless the side effects are intolerable or the patient experiences severe reactions.
D. Switching to a different type of laxative is unnecessary unless the patient has contraindications to magnesium citrate or develops severe side effects.
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Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
A. Auscultating bowel sounds is important because anticholinergic agents can decrease gastrointestinal motility, leading to reduced bowel sounds and potential constipation.
B. Monitoring urine output is crucial as anticholinergics can cause urinary retention, and assessing output helps identify any adverse effects on bladder function.
C. Monitoring heart rate is necessary since anticholinergic agents can cause tachycardia as a side effect, making it important to assess the client’s cardiovascular status.
D. Administering an antidiarrheal agent is not typically indicated, as anticholinergic agents often cause constipation rather than diarrhea.
E. Assessing deep tendon reflexes is not directly relevant to the effects of anticholinergic medications and is not typically prioritized in this context.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Maintain good oral hygiene to minimize dry mouth is correct; good oral hygiene practices can help alleviate dry mouth, which is a common anticholinergic effect.
B. Void before taking the medication so urinary hesitation is less problematic is correct; this strategy can help manage urinary retention, another potential side effect of tricyclic antidepressants.
C. Avoid situations where bruising or lacerations are a possibility is incorrect; while caution is always advisable, this statement does not directly relate to anticholinergic effects.
D. Eat several small meals daily rather than three larger meals is correct; smaller meals can help mitigate gastrointestinal side effects and maintain steady blood sugar levels.
E. Use caution in situations where it may be possible to become overheated is correct; anticholinergic medications can impair thermoregulation, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.