Observing and Reporting Effects Flashcards

A resident taking a diuretic medication begins to complain of muscle cramps and weakness. What electrolyte imbalance should the medication aide suspect and report?

Answer: Hypokalemia

Diuretics often cause potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia, which presents as muscle cramps, weakness, and fatigue.

While observing a resident after administration of an antibiotic, the aide notices hives spreading across the resident's arms. This is best classified as:

Answer: An allergic reaction

Hives (urticaria) spreading after medication administration indicate an allergic reaction, which must be reported immediately.

A resident on iron supplements reports that their stools have turned black. What is the appropriate action?

Answer: Document it as a normal, expected effect of iron supplementation

Black stools are a well-known and expected side effect of oral iron supplements and should be documented as a normal finding.

Which observation in a resident taking an antihypertensive medication requires the MOST urgent report to the nurse?

Answer: Blood pressure of 78/50 mmHg with dizziness

A blood pressure of 78/50 mmHg with dizziness indicates dangerous hypotension, a serious adverse effect requiring immediate nursing intervention.

A resident taking an anticoagulant has developed unexplained bruising on both arms. The medication aide should:

Answer: Document and report the bruising to the nurse immediately

Unexplained bruising in a resident on anticoagulants may signal excessive bleeding risk and must be reported to the nurse promptly.

Which term describes a harmful, unintended response to a medication that occurs at a normal therapeutic dose?

Answer: Adverse drug reaction

An adverse drug reaction (ADR) is an unintended, harmful response that occurs at a dose normally used for treatment.

A resident receiving a narcotic analgesic has a respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute. The medication aide should:

Answer: Report the finding to the nurse immediately

A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute is dangerously low and may indicate narcotic-induced respiratory depression, requiring immediate reporting.