A nurse administers a prescribed dose of lithium at 8 PM. The nurse would schedule a specimen to be obtained for a blood level at which time?
- A. 10:00 PM
- B. 12:00 AM
- C. 4:00 AM
- D. 8:00 AM
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Lithium levels are typically drawn 12 hours after the last dose to measure trough levels, ensuring steady-state concentration. A dose at 8 PM would require a blood draw at 8 AM. Earlier times (10 PM, 12 AM, 4 AM) do not align with this timing.
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A patient is brought to the emergency department by her brother, who reports that the patient became very agitated and started hallucinating. Further assessment reveals tachycardia, incoordination, vomiting, and diarrhea. The brother states that the patient is taking paroxetine for depression. Which of the following would the nurse most likely suspect?
- A. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- B. Acute dystonic reaction
- C. Serotonin syndrome
- D. Hypothyroidism
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Paroxetine, an SSRI, can cause serotonin syndrome, characterized by agitation, hallucinations, tachycardia, incoordination, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially if combined with other serotonergic agents. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome and dystonic reactions are linked to antipsychotics, and hypothyroidism presents differently.
The nurse is reviewing the medical records of several patients receiving antipsychotic agents. Which factors, if noted, would the nurse identify as placing a patient at greater risk for tardive dyskinesia?
- A. Male gender
- B. Age 30 to 45 years
- C. History of depression
- D. Short duration of treatment
Correct Answer: None
Rationale: Tardive dyskinesia risk factors include older age, female gender, longer treatment duration, and certain conditions, not depression. None of the options (male gender, age 30?45, depression, short duration) are primary risk factors, suggesting a possible test error, but none apply.
After teaching a patient who is prescribed imipramine about the drug, the nurse determines that the teaching was effective when the patient states which of the following?
- A. I need to be careful because the drug can make me sleepy.
- B. I don?t have to worry about getting dizzy when I get up from lying down.
- C. I might notice some excess saliva in my mouth at different times.
- D. I need to avoid foods with fiber because diarrhea can occur.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, commonly causes sedation, so the patient?s statement about sleepiness indicates effective teaching. Dizziness (orthostatic hypotension) is a concern, dry mouth (not excess saliva) is typical, and constipation (not diarrhea) is a side effect, making other options incorrect.
A patient has been prescribed clozapine for treatment of schizophrenia. Which of the following would the nurse include in the teaching plan for this patient and family?
- A. You may experience hypertension while taking this medication.
- B. One of the side effects of this medication is breast engorgement.
- C. People taking this medication often experience dermatitis.
- D. You may experience noticeable weight gain while taking this medication.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Clozapine is associated with significant weight gain, a common side effect that should be included in patient education. Hypertension, breast engorgement, and dermatitis are not typical side effects of clozapine.
A patient receiving an antipsychotic agent develops acute extrapyramidal symptoms. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
- A. These symptoms are not real; the medication makes your brain think they are real.
- B. You have developed an allergy to the medication, so we need to change it.
- C. These are the results of the drug that can be treated; your illness is not getting worse.
- D. The sunlight together with the medication has caused these symptoms; just stay indoors.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) are treatable side effects of antipsychotics, not indicative of worsening illness. The nurse?s response should reassure the patient and explain that EPS can be managed. Denying symptoms, suggesting an allergy, or blaming sunlight are incorrect and nontherapeutic.
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