RN Exam Practice
Pharmacological and Parenteral TherapiesQuestion 544 of 2368

A client taking loperamide asks about taking extra doses for severe diarrhea. What is the nurse's best response?

  1. "More than the prescribed dose can cause a dangerous abnormal heart rhythm."
  2. "Extra doses are safe as long as you also drink more fluids throughout the day."
  3. "You can double the dose on the second day if the diarrhea is still severe."
  4. "Extra doses only cause mild drowsiness, so there is little reason for concern."
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Correct answer: "More than the prescribed dose can cause a dangerous abnormal heart rhythm."

Taking more than the prescribed amount of loperamide can cause a serious abnormal rhythm that can lead to death.

Source: Nursing Pharmacology, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Gastrointestinal System: Antidiarrheal Medication Classes. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026