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","D"]
Explanation
A. Spontaneous bleeding after taking an anticoagulant is a secondary action that occurs due to the anticoagulant's effect on blood clotting, which is an undesired effect when it leads to excessive bleeding.
B. Dizziness after starting an antihypertensive is a common secondary action related to the lowering of blood pressure, which can lead to hypotension and resultant dizziness.
C. Drowsiness after taking an antihistamine is a well-known secondary action, especially with first-generation antihistamines, which can cause sedation as a side effect.
D. Diarrhea after taking an antibiotic is a secondary action that can occur due to disruption of the normal gut flora, leading to gastrointestinal upset. All these examples illustrate secondary effects of medications.
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.