Patient Monitoring & Side Effects Flashcards
9 cards from real MAC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 9 Patient Monitoring & Side Effects flashcards as text
What is the first step when observing a possible medication side effect?
Answer: Report it to the nurse
The first and most crucial step when observing a possible medication side effect is to report it immediately to the supervising nurse. Medication attendants are not authorized to assess or treat side effects independently. Reporting ensures that a licensed professional can evaluate the patient's condition, determine the appropriate course of action, and make necessary adjustments to the care plan.
Which of the following is a common side effect of antihistamines?
Answer: Drowsiness
Antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergies, but a frequent side effect, especially with older generations of these drugs, is drowsiness. They work by blocking histamine, which can also affect the central nervous system, leading to sedation. Patients should be advised about this potential effect, especially regarding driving or operating machinery.
What should be done if a patient shows signs of an allergic reaction?
Answer: Stop the medication and inform a nurse
If a patient shows signs of an allergic reaction, the immediate priority is patient safety. The medication causing the reaction should be stopped immediately to prevent further exposure and worsening symptoms. Simultaneously, the nurse must be informed without delay so they can assess the severity, administer appropriate interventions, and ensure the patient receives prompt medical attention.
What is a key sign of gastrointestinal side effects?
Answer: Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are classic and common signs of gastrointestinal (GI) side effects from medications. Many drugs can irritate the stomach lining or affect the digestive system, leading to these symptoms. Monitoring for nausea and vomiting helps identify potential GI distress and allows for timely intervention.
Why is it important to monitor vital signs with certain medications?
Answer: To assess medication impact
Monitoring vital signs (like blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and temperature) is crucial when administering certain medications because it helps assess the drug's impact on the patient's physiological functions. Some medications can significantly alter vital signs, and regular monitoring allows healthcare providers to detect adverse effects, evaluate drug effectiveness, and ensure patient safety.
Which condition requires immediate attention when monitoring a patient?
Answer: Difficulty breathing
Difficulty breathing, or dyspnea, is a serious and potentially life-threatening symptom that requires immediate medical attention. It can indicate a severe allergic reaction, respiratory distress, or other critical medical emergencies. Other options like itchy scalp, constipation, or dry lips are generally less urgent and do not pose an immediate threat to life.
Which symptom might indicate a medication overdose?
Answer: Excessive sleepiness
Excessive sleepiness, or somnolence, can be a significant indicator of a medication overdose, especially with drugs that depress the central nervous system like sedatives, opioids, or certain antihistamines. An overdose can overwhelm the body's systems, leading to profound sedation, decreased consciousness, and potentially respiratory depression. It requires immediate medical evaluation.
What is the purpose of regular patient observation?
Answer: Detect side effects early
Regular patient observation is a fundamental aspect of medication administration and overall patient care. Its primary purpose is to detect any adverse drug reactions or side effects early, allowing for prompt intervention and preventing more severe complications. Early detection ensures patient safety and helps healthcare providers adjust treatment plans as needed.
What should be documented after noticing a side effect?
Answer: Record the signs, time, and notify a nurse
When a side effect is noticed, accurate and timely documentation is essential for patient safety and continuity of care. The attendant must record the specific signs and symptoms observed, the exact time of observation, and immediately notify the supervising nurse. This ensures the healthcare team has complete information to assess the situation and take appropriate action.