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
Explanation
A. Hypocalcemia is correct because esomeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, can lead to decreased calcium absorption, resulting in low calcium levels, which can cause muscle cramps.
B. Hyperkalemia is incorrect; while potassium levels can be affected by various medications, muscle cramps are not typically associated with high potassium levels.
C. Hypercalcemia is incorrect as it refers to elevated calcium levels, which would not cause muscle cramps and could actually lead to muscle weakness rather than cramping.
D. Hyponatremia is incorrect; low sodium levels may cause other symptoms but are not specifically linked to muscle cramps in the same way as low calcium levels are.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. An antipsychotic agent, particularly first-generation antipsychotics, can cause extrapyramidal symptoms such as tremors, drooling, gait changes, and spasms due to their dopamine-blocking effects in the brain.
B. An antidiabetic agent does not typically cause these neurological symptoms; its primary effects are related to glucose metabolism.
C. A general anesthetic is used to induce unconsciousness and does not generally result in muscular tremors or drooling.
D. An anticholinergic agent can cause side effects like dry mouth and constipation but does not typically lead to the muscular symptoms described; in fact, it may reduce drooling.