Return to OverviewA client is admitted for atrial fibrillation, and the healthcare provider prescribes disopyramide. After explaining the action of this antidysrhythmic agent, which complaint should the nurse instruct the client to report?
Question
Return to OverviewA client is admitted for atrial fibrillation, and the healthcare provider prescribes disopyramide. After explaining the action of this antidysrhythmic agent, which complaint should the nurse instruct the client to report?
Solution
Disopyramide is a medication used to treat certain types of serious (possibly life-threatening) irregular heartbeat such as persistent ventricular tachycardia. It works by making the heart less sensitive to certain electrical signals, which can lead to an irregular heartbeat.
The nurse should instruct the client to report any of the following side effects as they may indicate a serious problem:
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Difficulty urinating: Disopyramide can cause urinary retention, which can lead to difficulty urinating. This can be a serious problem, especially for individuals with pre-existing urinary tract problems.
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Dry mouth, eyes, or skin: These can be signs of anticholinergic side effects, which can be uncomfortable and potentially harmful if severe.
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Heart palpitations or chest pain: These can be signs that the medication is not effectively controlling the atrial fibrillation, or that it may be causing a different type of heart rhythm problem.
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Shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling in the ankles/feet: These can be signs of heart failure, a serious condition that can be exacerbated by disopyramide.
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Severe dizziness, fainting, or seizures: These can be signs of serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
Remember, it's important for the client to report any side effects they are experiencing, even if they are not listed above. The healthcare provider can determine whether these are a cause for concern.
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