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A newly admitted client has a diagnosis of depression. She complains of 'twitching muscles' and a 'racing heart', and states she stopped taking Zoloft a few days ago because it was not helping her depression. Instead, she began to take her partner's Parnate. The nurse should immediately assess for which of these adverse reactions?
- A. Pulmonary edema
- B. Atrial fibrillation
- C. Mental status changes
- D. Muscle weakness
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Mental status changes. Use of serotonergic agents may result in Serotonin Syndrome with confusion, nausea, palpitations, increased muscle tone with twitching muscles, and agitation. Serotonin syndrome is most often reported in patients taking 2 or more medications that increase CNS serotonin levels by different mechanisms. The most common drug combinations associated with serotonin syndrome involve the MAOIs, SSRIs, and the tricyclic antidepressants.
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A woman who is taking cortisone for an acute exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis is upset about the fat face she has developed. She says to the nurse, 'I'm going to quit taking that cortisone.' The nurse's response should be based on which understanding?
- A. Cortisone does not cause a fat face.
- B. The symptoms will lessen as her body adjusts to the medication.
- C. The drug should be immediately discontinued when adverse effects occur.
- D. Cortisone should never be abruptly discontinued.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Abrupt discontinuation of cortisone can cause adrenal insufficiency; tapering is required to prevent complications.
The 38-year-old client with chronic asthma is prescribed a leukotriene receptor antagonist. Which is the scientific rationale for administering this medication?
- A. This medication is used prophylactically to control asthma.
- B. This medication will cure the client's chronic asthma.
- C. It will stabilize mast cell activities and reduce asthma attacks.
- D. It will cause the bronchioles to dilate and increase the airway.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Leukotriene receptor antagonists (e.g., montelukast) are prophylactic, reducing inflammation to control asthma. They don’t cure, stabilize mast cells, or directly dilate bronchioles.
The client in end-stage renal disease is a Jehovah's Witness. The HCP orders erythropoietin (Epogen), a biologic response modifier, subcutaneously for anemia. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Question this order because of the client's religion.
- B. Encourage the client to talk to his or her minister.
- C. Administer the medication subcutaneously as ordered.
- D. Obtain the informed consent prior to administering.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Epogen is synthetic, not blood-derived, so it’s acceptable for Jehovah’s Witnesses. Administer as ordered; questioning, minister consultation, or consent are unnecessary.
A woman is two months pregnant when her 5-year-old child develops rubella. What is most likely to be given to her?
- A. Immune serum globulin
- B. MMR
- C. RhoGam
- D. Rubella antitoxin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Immune serum globulin may be given to reduce the risk of rubella infection in the pregnant woman, protecting the fetus.
A young adult, 20 years old, who is hospitalized for the first time with schizophrenia, is receiving chlorpromazine (Thorazine) 75 mg PO tid. The client is to go home for a weekend pass. Which statement that the client makes indicates a need for nursing intervention?
- A. I won't drink any alcohol this weekend.
- B. It will be good to taste home-cooked food again.
- C. We plan to go dancing.
- D. I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend at the beach.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Chlorpromazine causes orthostatic hypotension and photosensitivity. Dancing may exacerbate hypotension, requiring caution and education.