Question

a 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? joint pain. dizziness or muscle weakness. daily weight gain of 2 pounds. dry mouth.

Explanation:

Disopyramide is an antidysrhythmic with potential side effects related to cardiac and neuromuscular function. Dizziness or muscle weakness can indicate electrolyte imbalances or worsening of cardiac rhythm issues, or neuromuscular effects (like decreased contractility or conduction issues affecting muscle function), which are more critical to report. Joint pain is not a typical serious side effect of disopyramide. Daily weight gain of 2 pounds is more associated with fluid retention (e.g., in heart failure, but disopyramide’s main concerns are rhythm/cardiac conduction and neuromuscular, not rapid weight gain as a primary reportable from this drug). Dry mouth is a common anticholinergic side effect of disopyramide, usually less urgent to report compared to signs of impaired cardiac or neuromuscular function.

Answer:

B. Dizziness or muscle weakness.