Codeine sulfate is prescribed to a client with a severe back pain. Which of the following side effect is associated with this medication?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Codeine sulfate, a narcotic analgesic, commonly causes constipation as a side effect. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, which can slow down gastrointestinal motility, leading to constipation. Clients taking codeine sulfate should be advised to increase their fluid intake, eat high-fiber foods, and possibly use stool softeners to prevent or alleviate constipation. Monitoring for constipation and providing appropriate interventions are essential to improve the client's comfort and prevent complications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The primary goal of anticoagulant therapy is to prevent the formation of blood clots or thrombus. Anticoagulants work by inhibiting the coagulation cascade, which ultimately prevents the blood from clotting too easily. By preventing the formation of clots, anticoagulant therapy helps reduce the risk of conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, and heart attack, which are all associated with blood clot formation. Anticoagulant therapy does not stabilize or dissolve existing clots but rather focuses on preventing new clots from forming. Dilating the vessel around a clot is not the primary purpose of anticoagulant therapy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the scenario described where the patient has accidentally taken too much warfarin (Coumadin) and is experiencing bleeding, the nurse can anticipate administering Vitamin K. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver. By administering Vitamin K, it helps reverse the anticoagulant effect of warfarin by supplying the needed vitamin K for the production of clotting factors. This aids in the clotting process and helps to stop the bleeding that may occur due to excess warfarin in the system. Other medications listed (such as Protamine sulfate, Alteplase, Reteplase) are not specific antidotes for warfarin overdose-related bleeding but are used for different therapeutic purposes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Warfarin (Coumadin) is an anticoagulant that works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. In cases of warfarin overdose or excessive anticoagulation leading to bleeding events, the antidote is vitamin K. Vitamin K helps to reverse the effects of warfarin by promoting the production of clotting factors that are inhibited by warfarin. Administering vitamin K can help normalize the patient's coagulation parameters and stop bleeding in cases of warfarin over-anticoagulation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Protamine is the antidote for Heparin. Heparin is an anticoagulant medication that works by increasing the activity of antithrombin III, leading to the inhibition of clotting factors. In cases of excessive bleeding or overdose with Heparin, protamine can be administered to neutralize its anticoagulant effects. Protamine works by binding to heparin to form a stable complex, thereby reversing the anticoagulant activity of Heparin. It is important for healthcare providers to be familiar with the antidotes for various medications to manage potential complications effectively.