Question

Hypotension (The nurse should identify amphotericin B is considered a high-alert medication due to potentially serious adverse effects, such as hypotension. Therefore, the nurse should report this or other adverse effects of amphotericin, such as nephrotoxicity, hypokalemia, and cardiac dysrhythmias.)

a) indicative of optimal blood pressure
b) suggesting dehydration
c) a high-alert medication adverse effect
d) normal side effect of amphotericin

Answer 1

Hypotension is a serious adverse effect of the high-alert medication option (c) amphotericin B, commonly used to treat systemic fungal infections. Due to the risk of severe side effects, any occurrence of hypotension or other serious adverse effects must be promptly reported by healthcare professionals.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hypotension is a condition where blood pressure is abnormally low and is known as a high-alert medication serious adverse effect option (c) of amphotericin B, which is a medication used to treat systemic fungal infections. Such infections include aspergillosis, cryptococcal meningitis, and others. The drug is considered a high-alert medication adverse effect because it can lead to serious side effects like hypotension, nephrotoxicity (kidney toxicity), hypokalemia, and cardiac dysrhythmias. Amphotericin B affects the fungal cell membranes, creating pores that lead to cell death, but it can also cause harm to human cells and tissues.

Patient safety standards require health care professionals to report any occurrence of hypotension or other serious adverse effects to the appropriate parties to avoid complications, such as circulatory shock. Circulatory shock can be a life-threatening condition where the circulatory system fails to maintain adequate blood flow, leading to insufficient oxygen and nutrient supply to the body's tissues. This may result in decreased urine output, altered mental state, and if left uncorrected, patient death.