Nokea
A nurse in an inpatient mental health facility is assessing a client who has schizophrenia and is taking haloperidol. Which of the following clinical findings is the nurse’s priority?
- A. High fever
- B. Insomnia
- C. Urinary hesitancy
- D. Headache
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: High fever. The priority finding is high fever because it could indicate a potentially serious adverse reaction called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) associated with haloperidol use. NMS is a life-threatening condition characterized by fever, altered mental status, muscle rigidity, and autonomic dysfunction. Prompt recognition and treatment of NMS are crucial to prevent complications. Insomnia (B), urinary hesitancy (C), and headache (D) are common side effects of haloperidol but are not as urgent as high fever, which could signify a medical emergency.
You may also like to solve these questions
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has schizophrenia and is prescribed risperidone. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Avoid direct sunlight
- B. Rise slowly from a sitting position
- C. Take the medication on an empty stomach
- D. Expect weight loss as a side effect
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Rise slowly from a sitting position. This instruction is crucial because risperidone can cause orthostatic hypotension, leading to dizziness or fainting when standing up quickly. By rising slowly, the client can minimize the risk of falls. Avoiding direct sunlight (A) is not directly related to risperidone use. Taking the medication on an empty stomach (C) is not necessary for risperidone. Expecting weight loss (D) is not a common side effect of risperidone; in fact, weight gain is more common.
A nurse is planning care for a client who has experienced intimate partner abuse. The nurse should identify which of the following outcomes as the priority?
- A. The client joins a support group
- B. The client identifies techniques to reduce stress
- C. The client develops a safety plan
- D. The client identifies support systems
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: The client develops a safety plan. This is the priority outcome because it addresses the immediate safety of the client who is experiencing intimate partner abuse. A safety plan helps the client to identify strategies to protect themselves and seek help in times of danger. Joining a support group (A), identifying stress reduction techniques (B), and identifying support systems (D) are important steps in the client's overall recovery process but addressing safety concerns is crucial to prevent further harm. It is important to prioritize safety before addressing other aspects of the client's well-being.
A nurse is planning care for a client who has a history of alcohol use disorder and is experiencing withdrawal. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?
- A. Administer disulfiram
- B. Monitor for seizures
- C. Restrict fluid intake
- D. Provide a high-protein diet
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor for seizures. During alcohol withdrawal, clients are at risk for seizures due to central nervous system hyperexcitability. Monitoring for seizures allows for prompt intervention if they occur. Administering disulfiram (A) is used to deter alcohol consumption, not for withdrawal. Restricting fluid intake (C) can worsen dehydration, while providing a high-protein diet (D) is not a priority during alcohol withdrawal.
A nurse is caring for a client who has alcohol use disorder and is experiencing withdrawal. Which of the following medications should the nurse administer?
- A. Methadone
- B. Chlordiazepoxide
- C. Naltrexone
- D. Disulfiram
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Chlordiazepoxide. This medication is a benzodiazepine used to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms by reducing anxiety, agitation, and preventing seizures. Benzodiazepines help to stabilize the central nervous system during alcohol withdrawal, making it the appropriate choice for this client.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Methadone is used for opioid withdrawal, not alcohol withdrawal.
C: Naltrexone is used for alcohol dependence treatment by reducing cravings, not for acute withdrawal symptoms.
D: Disulfiram is used as a deterrent for alcohol consumption, not for managing withdrawal symptoms.
A nurse is assessing a client who has alcohol use disorder and is experiencing withdrawal. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Hypotension
- B. Visual hallucinations
- C. Hyperactivity
- D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Visual hallucinations. During alcohol withdrawal, the client may experience hallucinations, particularly visual ones, due to the impact of alcohol on the brain. This is known as alcohol hallucinosis. Hypotension (choice A) is not typically associated with alcohol withdrawal; in fact, hypertension is more common. Hyperactivity (choice C) is not a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal, as clients tend to be more agitated or restless. Increased appetite (choice D) is also not a typical finding during alcohol withdrawal, as many clients experience decreased appetite. Visual hallucinations are a key symptom to monitor for during alcohol withdrawal due to their potential to be distressing and require immediate intervention.