Question

A nurse is caring for a client with insomnia. The client is prescribed a sedative. Which adverse reaction to sedatives is a gastrointestinal reaction?

1) Drowsiness
2) Constipation
3) Headache
4) Dizziness

Answer 1

The gastrointestinal adverse reaction to sedatives from the given options is constipation, which is known to be a side effect associated with many sedative drugs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The adverse reaction to sedatives that is a gastrointestinal reaction is constipation. Sedatives, along with their primary effects of inducing sleep or relaxation, can have several side effects. When examining the given options:

1. Drowsiness is expected rather than adverse.
2. Constipation is indeed a gastrointestinal side effect associated with many sedatives.
3. Headache is a general side effect but not specifically gastrointestinal.
4. Dizziness is also a general and expected side effect of sedatives.

Therefore, the answer is option 2) Constipation.