Question

a nurse is caring for a client who recently started alteplase therapy. the nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects?

• bronchodilation
• headache
• edema
• hypertension

Explanation:

Alteplase is a thrombolytic drug. Thrombolytic drugs can cause bleeding as a major adverse effect. Headache can be a sign of intracranial bleeding, which is a serious complication of alteplase therapy. Bronchodilation is not a typical adverse effect of alteplase. Edema is not a common adverse effect associated with alteplase. Hypertension is not the primary adverse effect to monitor for with alteplase; in fact, hypotension (low blood pressure) can sometimes occur due to bleeding - related volume changes.

Answer:

B. Headache