Question

What should the nurse assess in a client taking amitriptyline for genitourinary anticholinergic effects?

Option 1:
A) Urinary retention

Option 2:
B) Increased urination

Option 3:
C) Hematuria

Option 4:
D) Oliguria

Answer 1

The nurse should assess for urinary retention when monitoring a client taking amitriptyline for genitourinary anticholinergic effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should assess a client taking amitriptyline for genitourinary anticholinergic effects such as urinary retention. Amitriptyline can cause various anticholinergic side effects because it blocks the action of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter involved in the stimulation of the bladder among other functions. Therefore, the correct option in the context of the question would be Option 1: A) Urinary retention.

• Urinary retention is a condition where the bladder is not able to empty itself fully, leading to difficulty in urination or a complete inability to urinate.
• Increased urination or polyuria might be caused by drugs like diuretics, not typically associated with anticholinergic effects.
• Hematuria, which is blood in the urine, and oliguria, which is reduced urine output, are not direct anticholinergic effects and would be less likely side effects of amitriptyline related to its anticholinergic activities.